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Day of Cataract Surgery - Questions and Answers
What time is my surgery?
Surgical starting times vary. Your arrival time for surgery could be as early as 6:30 a.m. The day before surgery (Friday for Monday surgery or Wednesday for Thursday surgery) a nurse from the Surgery Center will call you with your exact arrival time. If you wish to
call Dr. Shingleton's staff earlier during the week prior to surgery, they will be able to give you an approximate arrival time.
How long will I be at the surgery center the day of my surgery?
Even though your operation itself may take less than 10 minutes, we require extra time for proper preoperative and postoperative care. You should plan to spend 3-4
hours at the Surgery Center. We are committed to providing the finest surgical care. You should commit the full day to your surgery and your recovery - all other
activities should be postponed.
On the day of surgery, what should I wear?
You should wear a loose shirt or a shirt that buttons in front. Do not wear jewelry.
Will Dr. Shingleton be doing my cataract surgery?
Dr. Shingleton performs surgery on each and every patient. Surgical technicians and board-eligible fellows in ophthalmology assist Dr. Shingleton during surgery and
visiting doctors from all around the world frequently observe the surgery on TV monitors to learn from Dr. Shingleton.
Will I have pain with surgery?
No, eye surgery for the vast majority of Dr. Shingleton's patients is pain-free. Most patients find the overall surgical experience to be pleasant.
Will stitches be used for my surgery?
The vast majority of Dr. Shingleton's state-of-the-art cataract surgery is accomplished without stitches. Certain types of cataracts are best treated with the use of
stitches and they are used when necessary. All glaucoma surgery patients have stitches that dissolve by themselves.
Is a laser used to remove my cataract?
No. It is a misconception that a laser is used to remove cataracts. Dr. Shingleton uses ultrasound (sound waves) -- the latest in cataract surgical technology -- to gently
dissolve the cataract and remove it from the eye through a tiny incision.
New lens technology is being developed to assist in the removal of cataracts. This will be valuable for certain patients with specific needs.
A laser is occasionally used months or years after cataract surgery to open the normal capsule of the eye that surrounds the implant. In about 25% of patients, this capsule
gradually thickens through a normal healing process and slightly blurs the vision. This slight blurring can be corrected with a simple and painless laser procedure that takes
only a few minutes.
Who helps with Anesthesia?
Board-certified anesthesiologists supervise your anesthesia. They have some of the most extensive experience with eye surgery in the country. Your surgery will be virtually
pain-free.
Will my family be able to watch my surgery?
Your surgery will be transmitted by television camera to a special viewing area in the Surgery Center for your family to observe, if you and your family desire. Videotapes
of the surgery are not available.
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