Lid Hygiene
This presentation provides an overview of how an eyelid scrub, using the pre-moistened pad method, can help to ensure proper lid hygiene.
How To Apply Eye Drops
This presentation provides a step-by-step approach for how to apply Eye Drops.

Cataract Patient Instructions

Cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest procedures in the USA. Please arrange for someone to drive and stay with you at the facility/hospital during your 2-2.5 hour long stay or contact us for help.

Expectations of Cataract Surgery
  • Typically visual recovery is rapid, but blurriness may occur for a few hours or days.
  • A mild scratchy sensation is common, but is usually controlled within a few days by ILEVRO or Tylenol.
  • If you have headaches, eye pain or pressure, call the office. Execute all instructions given by staff.
  • If you require eye glasses, it is necessary to allow your eye to fully heal before acquiring a new prescription. Medicare patients are entitled to one pair of glasses after each eye surgery.
Medications
To prevent infection, an iodine-based solution and antibiotics will be utilized. Additionally, purchase ILEVRO, an anti-inflammatory eye drop to improve dilation of the pupil, reduce discomfort, and decrease the risk of retina swelling. 

Please buy 1 bottle of ILEVRO for each eye. If your pharmacy has not received your prescription, then call Susquehanna Eye Associates office at (570) 748-8900. If cost is an issue, then do inform us so we may help. 

3 Days before the Procedure 
Eye Lid Scrubs (available over the counter): Once per day apply a warm, clean, moist washcloth to the top/outside of your eyelid for 5 minutes. Then, use the eyelid scrub to clean the eyelid.
Eye Drops: Insert one drop of ILEVRO per day into the operative eye. 

Night before the Procedure
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight. If your procedure is in the afternoon, you may have some light food 6 hours before it.
If you have diabetes, you will be scheduled in the morning.
  
Day of the Procedure  
Insert one drop of ILEVRO in the operative eye in the morning and take your regular medications with a sip of water.
Diabetics Only: No Oral Diabetic Medications. If you use insulin, take one-half your morning dosage before coming to the surgery center; bring the other half of your insulin dosage with you to the facility.
Bring your cataract canvas bag, information packet and eye drops with you.

Appointments for Your Cataract Procedure
It is important that you attend all appointments as scheduled to achieve the best results from your eye surgery.

Contact Information 
Please call your local office with any questions at (570) 748-8900. After hours, follow the instructions and leave a message and your call will be returned promptly by our doctor on call.

After Your Cataract Surgery

Eye Care and Activities after Cataract Surgery
  • When you get home, remove your eye shield and save it for later use. 
  • Discontinue the Eye Lid Scrubs after your procedure. 
  • For the first 2 days, no heavy work, exercise, or lifting. Do not get water in your eye when washing.
  • For the first week, at bedtime or nap time tape the provided eye shield over your eye. 
  • Light activities are acceptable.Return to normal activity levels 7 days post-surgery unless otherwise indicated.
  • Driving. You may resume driving after your cataract procedure and upon your doctor’s instructions. 

Medications and Nutrition
  • Continue inserting one drop of ILEVRO per day into the operative eye until the bottle is empty, roughly one month, and use any other medications as prescribed by your eye surgeon. 
  • If needed, you may use artificial tears (Systane/Optive preservative-free, available over the counter) 4x/day. 
  • Continue all your usual medications without interruption following your cataract procedure. 
  • Resume your usual diet.