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Cataract Post Operative - Questions and Answers
Will I be wearing a patch after surgery?
Dr. Shingleton performs surgery for many patients using topical or light block anesthesia. These patients do not require an eye patch after surgery, but may have the
eyelids taped closed for several hours to provide enhanced protection. Patients who are best suited for other types of anesthesia may require an eye patch for several hours.
Occasionally patients require an eye patch until they are seen the next day.
When will I be seen following surgery?
All patients must be seen the day following surgery by Dr. Shingleton, one of his associates or your referring doctor. This must be incorporated into your schedule and
transportation plans.
Patients scheduled to see Dr. Shingleton or one of his associates the day after the surgery follow this schedule:
| Surgery |
Post-Op Appointment |
| Day |
Surgery Location |
Day |
Time |
Office Location |
| Monday |
Boston |
Tuesday |
7:30-3:00 PM |
Boston |
| Thursday |
Sandwich |
Friday |
8:00-3:00 PM |
Yarmouth/Sandwich |
For patients seeing their referring doctor the day after surgery, your appointment will be made by Dr. Shingleton's surgical coordinator. Dr. Shingleton's team will update your doctor on the day of surgery after your operation is completed.
For all patients, future appointments, with Dr. Shingleton, his associates or your referring doctor, subsequent to your first post-operative visit will be coordinated by Dr. Shingleton's
surgical coordinator.
What should I bring with me to my post-operative visits?
Bring all medications, instruction sheets and supplies to every post-operative visit.
How long do I have to wear a protective eye shield after surgery?
You should wear your metal shield at bedtime the first night post operatively. No eye pad should be used.
When will I see after surgery?
It is remarkable how well many of Dr. Shingleton's cataract surgery patients see immediately after surgery. You will experience your best vision after cataract surgery 3-4
weeks post-operatively. Glaucoma surgery patients need longer healing time before returning to maximum vision.
Will I require glasses after surgery?
Many of Dr. Shingleton's patients see very well and function well without glasses. However, all patients must be prepared to wear glasses at certain times for optimal vision.
This applies to patients who receive multifocal, accommodative or monofocal intraocular lens implants. Visual needs vary greatly among patients. As a result, Dr. Shingleton personalizes your
surgery and strives for the best surgical result to meet your needs and requirements.
Will I receive a multifocal intraocular lens?
Dr. Shingleton has a great deal of expertise with multifocal lens implants and uses them in patients well suited for them. For the right patient, multifocal lenses can be a great
success. However, there are limitations to their use and potential visual "trade-offs" that must be appreciated by anyone receiving multifocal lenses. Dr. Shingleton's results
with the newest FDA-approved multifocal intraocular lenses are excellent. Dr. Shingleton will review the pros and cons of multifocal lenses
with you, if you are a suitable candidate. Do not hesitate to ask Dr. Shingleton or any member of his staff about multifocal lenses and their applicability to your situation.
Will I receive an "accommodating" intraocular lens?
Dr. Shingleton was one of the earliest ophthalmologists in the United States to be trained in the implantation of accommodating intraocular lenses. As with multifocal lenses,
their applicability is limited, but may represent a unique opportunity for certain patients. The Crystalens is the only FDA-approved accommodating implant. Dr. Shingleton was the
first surgeon in Boston to be certified to implant it. His results with the Crystalens are excellent. Do not hesitate to ask Dr. Shingleton about the potential for the Crystalens
accommodating implant in your situation.
When can I return to work?
This varies among patients. Many patients return to work the following day, although we generally recommend the patient take at least one day off. Please ask Dr. Shingleton or his
associate on the day following your surgery for recommendations.
What type of physical activity am I allowed to do following my surgery?
All Patients
Most patients can return to 90% of activity the day after surgery. Of utmost importance is to avoid physical trauma to the eye.
Cataract Patients
You may bend, stoop, lift, tie your shoe, shop, carry grocery bags, cook and travel in cars, planes or trains. For 2 weeks, exercise should be limited to low-impact activities such as treadmills, exercise bikes and golf. No weight lifting, push-ups, sit-ups or swimming is permitted for 2 weeks.
Glaucoma Patients
For 3 weeks, you should avoid strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting. No swimming is permitted.
When am I allowed to take a shower and wash my hair?
You may shower and wash your hair the day following your surgery. Simply hold a dry wash cloth over the operated eye to prevent water from contacting the eye.
Can I wear eye make-up after my surgery and when?
No eyeliner or mascara should be used for 1 week following surgery. Other facial make-up is acceptable.
When can I drive after my surgery?
Assuming vision is acceptable in your fellow eye, you may drive the day following surgery.
When can I travel?
All patients must remain in the New England area for 1 week and the continental United States for 1 month after surgery. No foreign travel permitted for one month.
If you have further questions, please call Dr. Shingleton's Boston office anytime at 617-314-2614 or the Cape Cod office at 508-534-6082 anytime from 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
After 5:00 P.M. and on weekends, please call 617-367-4800 and ask to have the doctor-on-call paged.
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