Not only do we offer outstanding care, but we’re sensitive to your comfort and well-being. Knowing what to expect in surgery can go a long way toward setting your mind at ease.
The more you know about Eyecare Medical Group, the more you can take comfort in our care. For instance, our Surgical Center has an all-registered nursing staff with close to 200 combined years of nursing experience. Of these, four are Certified Registered Nurses in Ophthalmology (CRNO).
The day of surgery
Look for the Surgical Center entrance (drive around the building to the rear) and come inside to our waiting room. Once you’ve checked in with the receptionist, a registered nurse will accompany you to the pre-op area to check your blood pressure, pulse and temperature, and to monitor your heart rhythm. Your nurse will review your medical history and check on factors that might rule out surgery.
If everything checks out in your pre-op exam, your nurse will administer your eyedrops. Depending on your procedure, these eyedrops could deliver anesthesia, antibiotics or promote dilation of the pupil.
Now you’ll meet our anesthesiologist, Dr. Villi Enders. He will interview you and explain his role in your procedure. Dr. Enders will start an IV to administer sedatives or other medications as required during surgery.
You’ll receive a paper hat, gown and booties to put on over your clothes. A nurse will walk you into the OR which has been set up for your procedure. (Feel free to bring your cane, walker or wheelchair with you into the OR.) Your nurse will situate you comfortably on a bed and cover you with a warm blanket.
Your caregivers will monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure. You’ll wear an automatic blood pressure cuff on your arm, be connected to a heart monitor and have a clip on your finger that checks oxygen levels. Next, your doctor will administer one of two types of anesthesia: topical or eye block.
Topical: This option is used when you as the patient are able to hear, be coherent and follow instructions during the surgery. You’ll receive a sedative through an IV and your nurse will administer topical anesthetic eyedrops.
Eye Block: This option is used when the patient is not as easily able to follow instructions and/or keep their eye completely immobile. The patient receives a sedative through an IV and a local anesthetic is injected in two places near the eye.
Our staff will prep your eye, put sterile drapes around the surgery area, and put all the instruments in place. Everything is now ready for your surgeon to proceed.
You’ll feel safe and cared for throughout the procedure. In fact, one of our caregivers will hold your hand during surgery. Your surgeon may speak to you from time to time, and your nurse will set your mind at ease if you hear or see something that concerns you.
After surgery, your bed will be raised so you’re in a seated position. When you’re ready, your nurse will take you back to the room where you received pre-op care. As your nurse double-checks your blood pressure and pulse, you can enjoy your choice of coffee, tea or juice and a warm muffin.
Now you will receive your post-op instructions for the evening. You’ll learn what to expect from your vision, what complications to look for, what discomfort you might experience, what activities to avoid and what if any medications to take. You will also receive an emergency telephone number in case you need to reach a surgeon. Your nurse will remove the saline lock, and arrange for the OR receptionist to walk you safely to your car. It is important that someone else drive you home following your surgery.
The day after surgery
The next day you’ll come to your doctor’s office for a post-op visit. It’s important that someone else drives you here and picks you up. After a thorough check-up, your doctor will offer more post-op instructions and give you medications if necessary.
You’re on your way to a full recovery! We’re happy to be part of that recovery and look forward to doing all we can to ensure your continued eye health.