The purpose of this page is to give the patient some inkling as to what to expect on the day of their cataract operation. Exact procedures will though vary from one eye unit to another. This information should be considered as a guide only.
Preparations
On the ward the patient is prepared for their visit to the operating theatre. This may include:
Checking the patient's identity and attaching an identity bracelet.
Confirming the nature of the surgery and the eye to be operated on.
Checking and confirming the consent documents.
Instilling eye drops to dilate the pupil.
Checking that there have been no health problems since the pre-operative assessment.
Checking the patient's blood pressure and temperature.
Getting to the Operating Theatre
The patient may be taken to the operating suite in a number of ways. The possibilities include:
If fit and mobile the patient may walk to theatre.
Using special wheeled recline-able chairs.
Using conventional hospital trolleys.
In the Anaesthetic Room
Final preparations may take place in the anaesthetic room immediately
adjacent to the operating theatre. Again it is important to emphasise
that arrangements will differ from one eye unit to another and indeed
from one anaesthetist to another. The preparations may though include
the following:
A cannula/needle may be placed into a vein, usually on the back of the hand, wrist area or forearm.
A clip like device may be placed over one finger tip to measure the pulse and blood oxygen level.
Heart monitor (ECG or electrocardiogram) tabs, usually three, may be placed on the upper chest or forearms.
For a general anaesthetic a blood pressure cuff may be placed around one upper arm.
The anaesthetic, local or general, may be administered in the anaesthetic room.
In the Operating Theatre
The patient is positioned reasonably flat on their back. The critical factor is to have the face level to give the surgeon the best access to the eye.
For a local anaesthetic a member of staff will hold the patient's hand during the operation. This gives human contact and reassurance. The patient should squeeze this hand if they need to get the attention of the staff.
The eye is cleaned with antiseptic solution.
A sterile drape is placed over the eye and an eyelid clip keeps the eye open during the operation.
An operating microscope is positioned about 25 cms above the eye. This provides the surgeon with good illumination and magnification of the eye during the surgery.
The surgery itself usually takes about 15 minutes, though it can be longer.
Figure 1.1 The Equipment Used During Surgery (below)
