Preparing for eye surgery
If you’ve booked an eye treatment with us, you will probably have questions about what happens next and what to do before you come to hospital.
What do you need to do before you come into the hospital? How will it work once you arrive? Here is what you can expect once you’ve booked to have eye treatment with us. Every eye treatment is different, which is why you can always get in touch with our team if you have questions.
After your initial assessment appointment
Once you’ve met with one of our consultants and decided to proceed with surgery, our secretarial team will find a convenient date for your operation. We’ll try to be as flexible as we can and arrange for it to take place in one of the private hospitals in your local area. Soon after, you will receive confirmation of your admission date, along with a health questionnaire and some general information about your chosen hospital. In most cases, your surgery will take place within a fortnight.
What to do before surgery
If you’re taking any prescribed medications, it’s very important to tell us about them. In most cases you will be able to carry on taking them in the usual way, but some medicines can cause complications in surgery. These include drugs like warfarin, a blood-thinning agent often used to treat blood clots. In this case, we may ask you to stop taking your medication for a few days before you come in for the operation. You should be able to resume it immediately after surgery. If you have any concerns about briefly stopping your medication, please let our team know.
What happens after surgery
Immediately after your surgery, you will return to your private room. Your nurse will make sure you are comfortable and help soothe any pain with painkillers and icepacks if necessary. Once we are satisfied that you have recovered from the operation and that any sedation has worn off, you will be free to go home.
Once you return home, one of our specialist ophthalmic nurses will call you within 48 hours of your procedure to hear how you are getting on, and to ensure your recovery is going to plan. We will then arrange a follow-up appointment with your local Optometrist or at one of our Sapphire Eye Care clinics.
Frequently asked questions
Can I continue taking my prescribed medications before eye surgery?
In most cases, you can continue taking your prescribed medications as usual. However, it’s crucial to inform our team about all your medications, as some may need to be temporarily discontinued, especially if they can pose risks during surgery. Medications like warfarin, which is a blood-thinning agent, may require a brief pause before the treatment. You can typically resume taking these medications immediately after your surgery. If you have concerns about stopping your medication, please discuss this with our team.
What is the follow-up procedure after my eye surgery?
After returning home, one of our specialist ophthalmic nurses will reach out to you within 48 hours of your procedure. They will check on your recovery progress and ensure that everything is proceeding as expected. Subsequently, we will schedule a follow-up appointment for you either with your local Optometrist or at one of our Sapphire Eye Care clinics.
What happens immediately after my eye surgery at Sapphire Eye Care?
Right after your surgery, you will be taken to a private room where you will receive post-operative care with our dedicated nurses will ensure your comfort. Once you have fully recovered from the treatment and any sedation has worn off, you will be discharged and allowed to return home.
I am having treatment on both eyes. Will they be operated on together?
We occasionally operate on both eyes on the same day, but normally carry out the surgery on different days, a week or so apart. Your surgeon will discuss this with you before you book your eye procedure.
I wear contact lenses. Do I need to do anything differently before my treatment?
This depends on the type of contact lenses you wear and if you wear glasses as an alternative. As a guide, soft contact lenses should be removed for a minimum of 1 week before biometry measurement is carried out at the initial consultation, while patients wearing rigid gas-permeable lenses need to omit wearing them for longer, and should ask specifically.
Our specialist team will talk this through with you prior to your consultation/treatment to ensure the very best outcome.
Can I eat or drink before my procedure?
This depends on the type of anaesthesia you will have during your treatment. If you’re having an operation under a local anaesthetic, there are usually no restrictions on what you can eat and drink beforehand.
If you’re likely to have a sedative during the procedure, you should avoid eating a heavy meal for two hours before you arrive at the hospital. Some eye operations are carried out under general anaesthesia; if this is the case, you will need to fast before your surgery.
We will tell you well in advance what to expect so you can plan accordingly.
Who looks after me during surgery?
Everyone who has eye treatment with Sapphire Eye Care is looked after by a full team of dedicated and specialised medical staff. During your surgery, you will be cared for by:
- your consultant surgeon
- a specialist ophthalmic theatre nurse
- a consultant anaesthetist
- a specialist ophthalmic ward nurse.
Together, this team of specialists will carry out your treatment to the highest of standards, while keeping you comfortable, calm and informed.
What should I do before coming to the hospital for my eye surgery?
Before your eye surgery at Sapphire Eye Care, you should follow these steps:
Inform our team about any prescribed medications you are taking, as some medicines, like blood-thinners, may need to be temporarily stopped before surgery.
Expect to receive confirmation of your admission date, along with a health questionnaire and hospital information, soon after your initial assessment.
Plan for your surgery to take place within approximately two weeks after you’ve decided to proceed with the procedure.
Remember – we’re with you every step of the way, so if you’re ever unsure, please reach out.
Can I reach out to the Sapphire Eye Care team if I have questions about my eye surgery preparation?
Absolutely, our team is here to provide support and address any questions or concerns you may have about preparing for your eye surgery. We understand that every eye treatment is unique, and we are committed to ensuring that you have a clear understanding of the process. Feel free to get in touch with us here and at any time to discuss your surgery and any preparations you need to make. Your comfort and well-being are our top priorities.