No, you do not wear your own clothes during cataract surgery. Patients undergoing cataract surgery are provided with a hospital gown to change into before the procedure. Wearing your own clothes into surgery is not hygienic or practical for the surgical environment.
Cataract surgery is a common outpatient procedure performed to treat cataracts, which are clouds that develop in the lens of the eye leading to blurred vision. During the procedure, the eye surgeon makes tiny incisions in the eye to break up and remove the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens implant to restore vision.
Preparing for Cataract Surgery
In the weeks leading up to your cataract surgery, your ophthalmologist will provide instructions on how to prepare. This includes arranging for someone to drive you home after the procedure and stopping certain medications that may interfere with anesthesia or increase bleeding risks such as blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements.
The night before surgery, you will need to scrub your eyelashes and eyebrows using special antiseptic eyelid cleanser and not wear any makeup, lotions, or perfumes. On the day of surgery, you should arrive with clean skin free of any makeup, creams, jewelry, or contact lenses. Wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes and shoes.
Changing into a Hospital Gown
Once you arrive at the surgical center, you will be brought to a pre-op area to change into a hospital gown, cap, and booties. Your personal clothing and belongings will be stored in a safe locker until after the procedure.
The hospital gown is necessary for the following reasons:
- Provides easy access for the surgical team to monitor you and administer anesthesia
- Prevents microbes on clothes from entering the sterile surgical field
- Allows proper draping of the sterile surgical drapes around the eye
- Avoids damage to or contamination of your personal clothing
The Cataract Surgery Procedure
Cataract surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia applied as eye drops along with intravenous sedation to help you relax. You will be awake during the procedure but should not feel any pain. Here are the general steps:
- You will lie down on an operating table and make yourself comfortable. The surgical team will insert an IV and monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels.
- The area around your eye will be cleaned and sterilized. Your face will be covered with a sterile drape, exposing only the eye having surgery.
- Anesthetic eye drops are applied to numb the eye. You may receive additional intravenous medications to help you relax.
- A small incision is made at the edge of the cornea. The surgeon inserts a tiny ultrasound probe to break up the cloudy lens using ultrasonic vibrations.
- The fragments are suctioned out and removed through the incision. The new artificial lens implant is inserted and positioned in the empty lens capsule.
- The incision is sealed with stitches if needed. A shield may be placed over your eye.
- You will be monitored in recovery for about 1-2 hours until the anesthesia wears off before being discharged home.
Recovery After Cataract Surgery
Once cataract surgery is complete, you can change back into your own clothes and be driven home. You will be prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to prevent infection and help with healing. Your eye may remain dilated with blurred vision for a few hours.
Recovery typically takes about 2 to 4 weeks, during which you will notice gradual improvement in vision. Your eye surgeon will schedule follow-up appointments to check your progress, evaluate your vision, and adjust medications as needed.
Post-Operative Care
It is important to follow these post-op instructions after cataract surgery:
- Use the medicated eye drops as directed. This helps control inflammation and prevent infection.
- Wear sunglasses and shields when going outside to protect your eyes from dust, debris and sunlight.
- Avoid rubbing, pressing or bumping your eye, and don’t lift heavy objects for a few weeks.
- Avoid swimming or getting soap or shampoo in your eyes until given the go-ahead by your doctor.
- Call your doctor if you notice increasing pain, discharge or any concerns about your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions patients have about wearing their own clothes for cataract surgery:
Why can’t I wear my own clothes?
The operating room must be kept sterile to prevent infection during surgery. Your personal clothes carry bacteria and microbes that can contaminate the surgical site. The hospital gown protects the sterility of the OR environment.
Can I keep my underwear on?
No, all undergarments and personal clothing articles must also be removed before surgery and replaced with provided surgical garments and booties. Everything brought from outside the surgical center can harbor germs.
What about religious or sentimental items?
Small religious pendants and wedding bands may be allowed after being cleaned and covered with surgical tape to keep the item sterile. All other jewelry, accessories, dentures/bridgework, hearing aids, etc. should be removed prior to surgery.
Can I wear my eyeglasses into surgery?
No, your eyeglasses cannot be worn during the procedure and must be removed ahead of time. This allows proper access to the eye and prevents damage to your eyeglasses during surgery. If needed, surgical adjusters can modify the oxygen mask or anesthesia equipment to accommodate your vision needs.
What if I’m cold wearing just the gown?
Let the surgical staff know if you feel chilly before or after the surgery. They can provide warmed blankets or adjust the room temperature to make you more comfortable before and after the procedure. The operating room is kept at a cool temperature for proper functioning of sterile equipment.
The Bottom Line
While it may seem inconvenient, wearing a hospital gown and removing your personal clothing prior to cataract surgery is mandatory. This protocol protects the sterility of the operating field and reduces infection risks. The surgical facility will ensure your privacy, safety and comfort as you undergo cataract surgery. Following the doctor’s pre- and post-operative instructions closely can help facilitate smooth healing after surgery.
References
- Cataract surgery. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cataract-surgery/about/pac-20385161. Accessed January 2023.
- Patient’s Guide to Cataract Surgery. American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/cataract-surgery-patient-guide. Accessed January 2023.
- Perioperative patient skin preparation. UpToDate. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/perioperative-patient-skin-preparation. Accessed January 2023.
- Cataract surgery risks and complication. American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/cataract-surgery-risks-complications. Accessed January 2023.