Cataract FAQ

What do I need to do before cataract surgery?

You will meet the surgical coordinator after Dr. Schneider discusses the procedure in detail and your unique IOL options. Prescriptions for three different eye drops will be sent to your pharmacy. You are to use these eye drops as directed starting three days prior to your surgery.

Why do I need to see my Primary Care Doctor before cataract surgery?

It is required that you have a pre-op physical exam within 30 days of your scheduled surgery. The surgical coordinator will provide you with the necessary form for your Primary Care Doctor. Your surgery will be canceled if this form is not received by the requested date.

Where is cataract surgery performed?

Dr. Schneider performs cataract surgery at one of two facilities: Sterling Surgical Hospital in Slidell and The Ambulatory Eye Surgery Center in Metairie. You will be notified of your arrival time for surgery three to four days prior to it.

Are there any restrictions before surgery?

You may not eat or drink anything after midnight the day prior to your surgery. The surgical coordinator will instruct you as to which of your medications you may take with a small sip of water the morning of surgery. Usually, only blood pressure medicine, thyroid medication, medications for heart disease, and medication for breathing disorders are taken the morning of surgery. Other medications taken may be resumed immediately after your surgery. Aspirin and aspirin-like products are to be stopped two weeks prior to surgery. If you are on blood thinners, Dr. Schneider will instruct you regarding these medications.

How long will I be at the facility?

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure and in Dr. Schneider’s hands takes about 10-15 minutes. You will be at the facility for 2-3 hours. Because you will receive minimal IV sedation you must have someone accompany you to the facility as you may not drive home.

Will I feel or see anything during the surgery?

Cataract surgery with Dr. Schneider is performed under topical anesthesia with minimal IV sedation. You will receive numbing drops and dilating drops in the pre-op area. There are no shots given around the eye. The only needle stick you will have is from anesthesia for the IV. During surgery additional numbing drops and cool water is placed on the eye. You may feel the cool water on your eye but that is absolutely all you will feel. There is no pain at all during cataract surgery. A bright microscope light is placed over your eye. You will see the bright light initially and then the light will dim.

What should I expect when I get home?

You will leave the facility with a shield taped over the eye. You will be sleepy and will most likely take a nap after your surgery. You are to wear the eye shield until your appointment with Dr. Schneider on the following day. You may lift up the shield to instill your three post-op eye drops into your eye and then replace the shield. Once Dr. Schneider exams your eye on post-op day #1 you are no longer required to wear the shield in the daytime. You must sleep with the shield for the first week. You will not have any pain besides a little scratchy feeling in the eye and can take over the counter painkillers if you like. You may resume all of your medication immediately after surgery including aspirin.

When can I wash my hair, wear eye make-up, or exercise? And how long will I use the eye drops?

There are no restrictions on bending over or lifting objects under 30 pounds after the type of cataract surgery you will have with Dr. Schneider. There are two things she instructs her patients not to do.

1. Do not get water or anything in your eye besides the eye drops.

2. Do not rub your eye.

Dr. Schneider performs no-stitch microscopic clear cornea cataract surgery which means your wound is self-sealing and secure although not completely healed for several weeks. You may resume wearing eye make-up two weeks after surgery. You may wash your hair and bathe and shower but keep your eye closed. Do not allow any water to enter your eye for at least 2 weeks. After one week the drops will be tapered to once or twice a day and will be continued for a total of 4-6 weeks. Do not stop the eye drops unless instructed to do so by Dr. Schneider.