Cataracts
Cataracts are very common as you get older, especially after the age of 60. Cataracts can develop slowly over time or progress rapidly within a few months and can affect your vision. Please visit the websites below for more information on cataracts and surgery. We encourage our patients to educate themselves in order to make informed decisions regarding their choices. This will make decisions easier at your consultation appointments with our doctors.
Pre - Consultation
Do not wear contact lenses for 2 weeks prior to appointment.
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Use Artificial Tears 4 times per day for 2 weeks
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This will improve the quality of your measurements and your vision after surgery
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Over the Counter options: Hydrasense, Systane, Liposic, and Refresh Tears (Avoid Visine)
Watch the following three videos before your appointment to prepare for your visit.
Pre - Surgery
Depending on your cataract surgery location please follow the instructions below.
Barrie Health Facility
147 Mapleview Dr, Barrie
Stop by our office at least 1 month prior to your first surgery date to pick up the surgical packages, dilation drops and prescription. Please allocate about 30 minutes. No appointment is needed. You can also print and pre-fill the surgical package linked below at home and bring it to our office.
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You will receive a call from the Barrie Health Facility 3-7 business days prior to your surgery date to give you the surgery arrival time.
SURGICAL DROPS
Dilating drops must be picked up from Barrie Ocular Surgery.
Add 1 drop to the operated eye 2 hours and 1 hour prior to your surgery arrival time.
Ensure that you have picked up your prescription drops from the pharmacy prior to your surgery.
Royal Victoria Hospital
201 Georgian Dr, Barrie
Fill out the surgical package and bring it to the hospital on the day of surgery.
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RVH will call you the Friday before your surgery between 12pm-3:30pm to give you the surgery arrival time.
Surgical Drops
Ensure that you have picked up your prescription drops from the pharmacy prior to your surgery.
Georgian Bay General Hospital
1112 St Andrews Dr, Midland
Fill out the surgical package and bring it to the hospital on the day of surgery.
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Midland Hospital will call you 3-7 business days before your surgery to give you your surgery arrival time.
Surgical Drops
Ensure that you have picked up your prescription drops from the pharmacy prior to your surgery.
Lasik MD
441 Huronia Rd, Barrie
Lasik MD will call you 2-3 days prior to your surgery to let you know the arrival time.
Forms will be given to you on the day of surgery to sign and fill out. ​
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Surgical Drops
Ensure that you have picked up your prescription drops from the pharmacy prior to your surgery.
Day of Surgery
Cataract patients are required to wear a button-down shirt. You will not be required to change into hospital attire.
Take all your usual morning medication(s) by 6:00 a.m. with a sip of water, unless otherwise instructed by your surgeon. If you have any questions, contact your surgeon’s office or your family doctor.
If you are diabetic, please bring your glucometer to your surgical appointment.
Post - Surgery
Post-Op Instructions
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Do NOT rub your eye.
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Wear your shield at bed time for 1 week.
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Do NOT lift heavy objects or perform strenuous activities for 1 week.
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Do NOT drive. Your eye doctor will tell you when it is safe to resume driving.
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AVOID swimming, hot tubs and/or saunas for 2 weeks after surgery.
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Stay out of dusty environments for 2 weeks after surgery.
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AVOID makeup for 2 weeks.
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Taking a shower is okay 2 days after your surgery.
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AVOID getting water/soap/shampoo directly into your operated eye.
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Take regular Tylenol for any discomfort.
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Cataract Surgery Drops
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Start your antibiotic drop 3 days prior to surgery. If for any reason you cannot get your drops prior to surgery, it is OK to start them on the day of surgery.
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Continue any glaucoma drops unless otherwise indicated.
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Always wash your hands before touching your eyes or using drops.
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Shake all bottles well before each use.
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When using more than 1 bottle at the same time, wait 3-5 min between drops.
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Bring this sheet and all your drops to all your appointments.
Option 1
Standard of Care, Preferred in Ophthalmology
Option 2
Suitable option for those with financial constraints
(Antibiotic coverage in this option is not as broad and adequate as Option 1)
Post-Operative Appointment
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You must attend your post-op appointment at our clinic (Barrie Ocular Surgery 441 Huronia Road) within 1 week of your surgery.
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If you do not have a post-operative appointment, please email the clinic: BarrieOcularSurgery@gmail.com
Post-Surgery Concerns
See your optometrist, eye surgeon or visit the nearest emergency room if you experience:
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Loss of vision
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Nausea, vomiting or headaches
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Severe pain that persists despite using over-the-counter pain medications
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Multiple new spots (floaters) in the operated eye