PRE-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

To achieve the best possible outcome from your upcoming cataract surgery, please follow the specific instructions inside your blue booklet. If you do not have a blue booklet, it is available for download at the bottom of this page. The following instructions are excerpts from the blue booklet and are not to be used as a replacement to the blue booklet:

• A pre-surgery history and physical by your family doctor within 30 days of your procedure is required. Take the patient History and Physical Examination form with you to your family doctor for him or her to complete. All patients over 55 years old are also required to have an EKG completed within 6 months of your surgery.
• Have your doctor fax your History and Physical Examination form and EKG to NovaMed Surgery Center of Madison within 1 week of your surgery
• If you have misplaced your History and Physical Examination form, it is available below for you to download and print off.
• We recommend you contact your insurance company to determine wt coverage is allowed for your cataract surgery and whether your procedure requires prior-authorization.  It should not be assumed that Anderson & Shapiro Eye are and/or NovaMed Surgery Center are in network with your individual insurance policy or have verified your insurance benefits. Payment for co-pays, co-insurance, and remaining deductibles are expected on the day of surgery.
• You will need to arrange for an adult to accompany you to and from your surgery. Your surgery will be canceled if you do not have a responsible adult to drive you home. You also need a driver for your first post-operative clinic appointment which is usually the day following your surgery.
• Pick up your e drops from your local pharmacy. You will need to start taking the antibiotic eye drop two days before your surgery; continue using until your arrival time.

Download NovaMed Blue Booklet

Download History and Physical Form

PROCEDURE DAY

Please follow the specific instructions inside of your blue booklet.  If you do not have a blue booklet, it is available for download on the 'My Cataract Procedure' page.  The following instructions are excerpts from the blue booklet and are not to be used as a replacement to the blue booklet:

• Follow all eating instructions listed in the blue booklet
• Bring all health insurance cards (including your Medicare card) and a photo ID with you to your appointment
• Bring all medications, inhalers, and eye drops, in their original pharmacy labeled containers, with you to your appointment
• Please do not wear jewelry or watches or bring any valuables to the surgery center
• Do not wear any cosmetics (especially eye makeup) or fingernail polish on the day of surgery.  Acrylic nails must be removed.
• Please wear an easily removable shirt (buttons or zips) that does not need to be pulled over the head
• The surgery center can be rather cool, we suggest you wear warm clothing
• You can expect to be at the surgery center for approximately 2 hours total.

POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

Please follow the specific instructions on your written discharge form.  If you do not have a discharge instructions form, it is available for download at the bottom of this page.  The following instructions are excerpts from the discharge instruction form and are not to be used as a replacement to the form:

• It is recommended that an adult stay with you for the first 24 hours.
• For most surgeries you will need to be seen the very next day.  It is imperative that you arrange for a driver to bring you to this appointment.
• Because the sedation you have received can impair judgment, coordination, and memory alcohol MUST be avoided for 24 hours.
• If you experience fever, severe pain, nausea, or vomiting please call your surgeon immediately.
• If you experience redness, drainage, bleeding, or swelling of the operative eye please call your surgeon immediately.
• It is important to keep the operative eye dry.  You may shower after your post-op visit tomorrow.
• Do not exert yourself or lift anything over 15 lbs. for 24 hours.  Avoid vigorous exercise for 2 weeks.
• Follow your eye drop instruction sheet given to you directly after surgery.

Download Discharge Instructions