Cataract Day Case Surgery. Mid Ulster Hospital

Transcription

1 Cataract Day Case Surgery Mid Ulster Hospital

2 About cataracts Cataract is the clouding of the lens of the eye. It disturbs the passage of light and stops the eye from correctly focusing. Cataracts usually affect the vision gradually, making vision hazy and often seems worse in bright light making it diffi cult for you to carry out everyday tasks. 2

3 What causes cataracts? It is a normal part of the aging process. It can be caused by diabetes. It can also be caused by injury to the eye. Treatment Surgery is needed to remove the cloudy lens and restore vision. During surgery a clear plastic lens, also called an intraocular lens implant is inserted into the eye when the cataract is removed. This lens remains permanently within the eye. 3

4 Day Case Surgery Your surgery will be carried out as a day case; you will be admitted and discharged on the same day. You should expect to stay in hospital for three to four hours. Before you are admitted, you will receive a letter with your admission details, please bring this with you on the day of your surgery. You must not drive home following surgery. Your consultant will advise you as to when it is safe for you to drive/fl y again. You must have an adult to accompany you to hospital and stay with you overnight. You must have access to a telephone in case of an emergency. Travelling by ambulance is not acceptable as we need to ensure you arrive at a certain time to allow preparation time before surgery. Space is limited so it would be appreciated if not more than one relative accompanies you to the unit. However, your relative is welcome to stay and to use the canteen. The opening times and price list are listed on the information/notice board. 4

5 Advice before surgery You should bath/shower and wash your hair. Nails must be short, clean and free from nail polish. Ladies are not allowed to wear make up. No hair grips/clips. Wear loose fi tting clothing - preferably clothing which unbuttons down the front. Bring all your medication/insulin with you. Bring your glasses. No valuables should be brought with you. The Trust will not accept any responsibility for lost/stolen possessions. If you take Warfarin please attend your doctor/nurse three days beofre surgery to have your I.N.R. checked. If you are unsure as to what this is, bring this leafl et along to your treatment room. If you have a warfarin record card, bring it to hospital with you. If you are unable to attend for your appointment please inform the staff of the Day Surgery Suite on ext. 6886/6917. On the morning of your surgery, have your breakfast and medications/insulin as normal. 5

6 When you arrive at the Day Surgery Suite Give your letter to the nurse. The nurse will check your admission details. They will record your blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate, temperature, oxygen saturation and blood glucose level (if applicable). You will have your vision checked. Occasionally some patients may need a heart tracing/ urine test/ bloods to be taken. You will have drops put into your eye. This is to enlarge your pupil in preparation for surgery. You will be visited by theatre nursing staff/consultant surgeon/anaesthetist. You will be asked to give your consent. You will be taken to theatre in a wheelchair and met by the theatre nurse. Your procedure will take approximately 20 minutes and you will have a plastic see through eye shield to protect your eye. You must wear the shield for two nights after your operation. 6

7 On return to the Unit You will be offered tea and toast. Your observations and blood glucose level (if applicable) will be recorded. The nurse will explain your discharge advice and follow up plan. This will be supported with written advice. Once you are deemed medically fi t, you will be discharged home. Please note your questions/ queries here We hope you fi nd this booklet informative. If you wish to ask further questions or need anything explained to you please make a note and ask the nursing staff on the morning of admission, or alternatively you can ring the Day Surgery Suite on ext. 6886/

8 Contact details Day Surgery Suite Mid Ulster Hospital Hospital Road Magherafelt BT45 5EX Phone: ext 6886/ web: This document is available, on request, in accessible formats, including Braille, CD, audio cassette and minority languages. 8 NT/AHS/08/10/ k