A Valuable Resource.
Scheduling Your Surgery
If you have not already scheduled surgery we have a specialized team that will be contacting you to schedule, answer all of your questions and walk you through the process.
- Be prepared to arrange for a preoperative history and physical exam by a physician prior to your surgery. Generally, this is required within 30 days of your scheduled surgery, but please confirm timing with your surgery coordinator, specific details will be mailed to you.
- Consult with your family physician regarding specific instructions for your routine medications prior to your surgery. If you take insulin or inhalers, you are encouraged to bring these items with you on the day of surgery.
- Notify the center if there is any change in your physical condition prior to your surgery, such as a fever or infection.
- Do NOT Eat or Drink: On the evening before surgery, please have a light dinner and avoid drinking alcohol. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight (this includes water) due to possible complications with anesthesia. Please arrive for surgery with nothing in your stomach. The nurses can review this with you during your remind call.
- On the day of surgery, wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing with buttons down the front of your blouse or shirt. Do not wear makeup, lotion or jewelry, although a wedding ring is alright to wear. All valuables, including purses and wallets, should be left at home or with a responsible adult.
- Patients are not allowed to drive themselves home after surgery. Please arrange for someone to drive you home and remain with you for six hours after discharge from our center. Public transportation may be used only if you are accompanied by an adult. You will not be allowed to leave the center without an escort.
- A nurse from our center will call you 3-5 days prior to confirm your arrival time. Surgery/Arrival times are not given when scheduling.
A nurse from our center should have called to confirm your arrival time 3-5 days prior to your surgery date. *Surgery/Arrival times are not given when scheduling.
Here is what you can expect on the day of your surgery:
- Upon entering the center, notify the receptionist of your arrival. Be sure to bring your insurance or Medicare card, which will be copied and returned to you at this time. You will be asked to sign a consent form, which authorizes our physicians to perform the surgery. If you are under the age of 18, your parent or guardian must sign the form.
- A nurse will record your vital signs and other pertinent patient information. Any questions you have may also be addressed at this time.
- An IV will be started, allowing us to administer a relaxant that will make you feel comfortable throughout the procedure.
- Eye drops may also be given prior to and during surgery to prepare your eye(s) for the procedure.
- During surgery, mild sedation will be administered to minimize pain and discomfort you may experience, but will allow you to speak and respond to verbal cues throughout the procedure, communicating any discomfort you may experience to the provider. A brief period of amnesia may erase any memory of the procedure.
- During surgery, the skin around your eyes will be thoroughly cleansed, and sterile coverings will be placed around your head. You may notice bright lights, movement and noise but you will not be able to see the procedure while it is happening.
- Mild sedation allows patients to recover quickly after the procedure and resume normal daily activities in a short period of time.
- After the surgery, you will be asked to rest in our recovery room for a short time until the effects of the medication wear off.
- It is recommended that the person escorting you home remain in our waiting area throughout your preparation, surgery and recovery period.
The following guidelines are intended to help you return to your normal routine as quickly as possible after surgery:
- It is important to first follow any specific instructions given to you by your surgeon regarding your recovery. Your surgeon’s instructions will always take precedence over general rules of recovery.
- You may resume your regular diet and eating habits immediately. Keep in mind that alcohol should not be consumed within 24 hours after surgery.
- Use eye medications as labeled by your surgeon. All other medications may be resumed as prescribed. Laxatives may be taken if needed. If an eye patch or shield is prescribed, wear it according to your surgeon’s instructions.
- Do not rub or touch your treated eyes. Avoid getting soap and water in your eyes.
- You may watch television. Ask your surgeon if it is permissible to read.
- Eye make-up should not be worn unless approved by your surgeon.
- All activities are normally permitted one week after surgery. Consult with your surgeon if you have questions regarding a specific activity.
For answers on any surgery questions or to speak with a surgery coordinator:
Phone: 763-416-7631
Email: surgery@nweyeclinic.com
