What Investigations Are Needed Before Cataract Surgery?

carried out prior to your surgery. For this assessment, please have available an up to date list of your current medications, including blood thinners, and a brief summary of your medical history, if you are unsure. Your general health and suitability for anaesthetic will be assessed. Underlying medical conditions including heart disease, uncontrolled blood pressure and diabetes will need to be addressed prior to scheduling your surgery. You should continue any eye drops or tablets for your glaucoma, as prescribed. Please let me know if you have been on any medications for your bladder or prostate (e.g. Tamsulosin, Duo dart) as this can have long-term effects on structures inside your eye. Blood thinning medications, such as Aspirin and Clopidogrel/Plavix should also be continued, unless directed otherwise. If you take Warfarin this may need adjusting before your surgery to ensure its within the correct therapeutic range. You will receive instructions about fasting before your surgery.

1. Biometry scan (measuring the length or your eyeball and curvature of your cornea) to determine the strength of the intraocular lens which best suits your eye and vision requirement. These meticulous high quality eye measurements sometimes need to be repeated before surgery for accurate results.

2. OCT scan of the macula (central part of the retina) to detect any macular problems, such as aged-related macular degeneration (AMD).

You may also require the following test(s):

• Specular microscopy (microscope for assessing the cells in the front window of the eye) and to diagnose certain diseases e.g. Glaucoma, Fuch’s Dystrophy • Topography scan of the cornea (assessing curvature