Eye cataracts are a common condition that usually comes with age. And if you have been diagnosed with cataracts, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove them.
While eye cataract surgery is a relatively common and safe procedure, it is still an intense procedure. So, it's important that you do everything you can to prepare for it. Here are a few tips to help you get ready for this specialized procedure.
Stop Taking Blood Thinners a Few Weeks Before Surgery
Eye cataract surgery is a delicate and complicated procedure. To ensure the success of the surgery, you may need to avoid blood thinners before the procedure.
Blood thinners are medications that prevent your blood from clotting. They are also known as anticoagulants. These include aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), and heparin.
These meds can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery, which can lead to complications. You may experience issues like increased eye pressure if you have blood thinners in your system. Blood thinners can also make it more difficult for the surgeon to see the eye during surgery, which can make the procedure difficult.
For these reasons, it is important to talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking before your surgery. If you are taking blood thinners, your eye surgeon may recommend stopping them for a while before your surgery. This will help to ensure that your surgery is successful and that you have a healthy recovery.
If you are not sure you are taking blood thinners, ask your doctor. They will be able to tell you if any of the medications you are taking could thin your blood.
Maintain a Healthy Diet in the Days Leading Up to Surgery
You want to be in the best possible health before you have any kind of surgery, including cataract surgery. A healthy diet will help you to heal quickly and reduce your risk of complications. It is also important to stay hydrated before and after your surgery.
Some specific things you can do to improve your diet include:
- Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Choosing lean protein sources
- Avoid processed foods, sugary beverages, and excess salt
- Limiting your alcohol intake
It is also important to take any vitamins or supplements your doctor recommends. These will also help keep your eye health in peak condition and reduce the risk of complications.
If you have any questions about what you should or shouldn't eat before eye cataract surgery, ask your doctor. They will be able to give you specific dietary recommendations.
For more information, contact a company like Sabates Eye Centers.
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