Before, During and After your Cataract Surgery - A guide for adults having cataract surgery at the Royal Jubilee Hospital

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Angel

Practical patient guide for adults undergoing cataract surgery, providing clear instructions for preparing, participating in care, and supporting faster recovery with fewer complications. Covers what cataracts are, key causes, why surgery removes the cloudy lens to improve sight, and how the lens may be replaced with an intraocular lens implant. Includes sections on surgical types, IOL options, effectiveness, risks, decision-making, preadmission steps, preoperative requirements, check-in, expected hospital course, home care, activity guidance, medication and follow-up.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages26

Reading Time1 h 6 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

About Cataract Surgery

What is a cataract?

What causes cataracts?

Why are cataracts removed?

Types of cataract surgery

Types of intraocular lenses (IOLs)

How well does cataract surgery work?

Risks

Making a decision about cataract surgery

Getting Ready For Surgery

Preoperative history and physical exam

Preadmission Clinic (PAC)

Pay for your lens implant

Eating and drinking before surgery

Medications

Supplies and eye drops

What to bring to hospital

Check-in procedure

What to expect

Going Home

Care at home

Activity

Medications

Follow-up appointments

Tell us what you think!

Before, During and After your Cataract Surgery A guide for adults having cataract surgery at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. Please: Read this booklet the day you get it. Keep it beside your phone to write down any further instructions. Bring it to all your appointments before and after your surgery and to the hospital the day of your surgery. Your name: Introduction This booklet was written for people having surgery to remove cataracts from their eye(s) . People who are prepared for surgery and who take part in their care can recover in less time and with fewer complications. This booklet will give you the information you need to get yourself, your family and your home ready for surgery. If you have any questions regarding your surgery, please contact your surgeon’s office. You can learn more about preparing for your eye [surgery at](surgery at www.viha.ca/eye_health)[ ](surgery at www.viha.ca/eye_health)[www.viha.ca/eye_health](surgery at www.viha.ca/eye_health). *IMPORTANT: The information in this booklet is intended solely for the person to whom it was given by the health care team. It does not replace the advice or directions provided to you by your surgeon. Approved by: Division of Ophthalmology, VIHA South Island Table of Contents Introduction ................................................................................................ 2 About Cataract Surgery ............................................................................ 5 What is a cataract?................................................................................... 5 What causes cataracts? ........................................................................... 5 Why are cataract removed? ................................................................... 6 Types of cataract surgery ....................................................................... 6 Types of intraocular lenses (IOLs) ........................................................ 7 How well does cataract surgery work? ............................................... 7 Risks .......................................................................................................... 8 Making a decision about cataract surgery .......................................... 9 Getting Ready For Surgery..................................................................... 10 Preoperative history and physical exam ........................................... 10 Cancellations .......................................................................................... 10 What to do if you are not feeling well ............................................... 10 Preadmission Clinic (PAC) .................................................................. 10 Pay for your lens implant .................................................................... 10 Arrange for a ride.................................................................................. 11 Eating and drinking before surgery ................................................... 11 Medications ............................................................................................ 11 Supplies and eye drops ........................................................................ 12 How to instill eye drops ....................................................................... 13 What to bring to hospital ..................................................................... 14 What NOT to bring or wear ................................................................ 14 Check-in procedure .............................................................................. 15 What to expect ....................................................................................... 16 Going Home.............................................................................................. 17 What to expect after cataract surgery ...........................................

FAQs

What is a cataract and how does it affect vision?

A cataract is a painless, cloudy area in the eye’s lens. It blocks light from passing through the pupil to the lens, causing vision problems.

Can cataracts be prevented, and what can cause them?

There is no way to prevent cataracts. They can be caused by natural aging changes, eye trauma, some medications or toxic chemicals, and birth defects.

Why is cataract surgery done and what replaces the cloudy lens?

Cataract surgery removes the clouded lens to improve sight. The lens can be replaced with an artificial intraocular lens implant (IOL).

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Angel