Implantable Contact Lens Surgery
At his Calgary Centre, Dr. Demong and his staff are committed to ensuring your surgical experience is as smooth and uneventful as possible. Specific instructions will be provided at the time of your preoperative consultation but the following general instructions will help you plan ahead for surgery:
- Plan to take 1 week off work or school to allow sufficient time for initial recovery. Make sure your employer is aware that you will be undergoing eye surgery.
- Make arrangements for a responsible adult to accompany you on the day of surgery and the first day afterward when you come for your postoperative appointment. You will not be able to drive during this period.
- It is important to cleanse surface bacteria from the eye area. Women should refrain from wearing eye makeup for one full day prior to surgery and until your surgeon advises that it is safe to resume, usually two weeks afterward.
- You will start antibiotic eye drops two days prior to surgery. It is important that you alert us to any medication allergies prior to surgery
- Do not plan activities or social engagements the evening of surgery. You will need to rest.
On the Day of Surgery
- You will not be able to eat after midnight but can drink clear fluids up to your scheduled arrival time.
- Shower and wash your hair in the morning. Do not apply makeup or face creams.
- Men may shave in the morning but avoid applying aftershave.
- You will wear your own clothing during surgery so dress comfortably but we suggest avoiding pullovers.
- Bring your completed "Booking Questionnaire" with you for the nurses to review
- Plan for a 3 ½ hour surgical appointment which will permit time for preoperative eye drops, reviewing instructions and answering your questions.
- You will be given prescriptions for medicated eye drops to be used in addition to antibiotic eye drops that you already started using. Your companion can fill the prescriptions while you are undergoing surgery.
- Your companion should pick up 1 package of preservative-free artificial tears, found in the contact lens department of most drug stores. We recommend a product called Bion Tears.
