This guide is for you as you have been listed for surgery to treat your eye condition. It aims to answer questions about your surgery – explaining what you can expect before, during and after your surgery.
Patients who are prepared for surgery and who take part in their care can recover in less time and with fewer complications. This guide will provide you the information you need to get yourself, your caregiver and your family ready for the surgery. Please note that the information in this guide does not replace the advice or directions provided to you by your ophthalmologist.
Getting Ready for Surgery To prepare for your surgery, you may be asked to: a) Undergo pre-operative tests
Go through a pre-operative assessment to check on your heart (ECG), blood pressure and blood sugar (urine test)
Undergo a biometry test to measure the size and shape of your eye. This helps determine the right type of lens implant (intraocular lens, or IOL).
b) Stop taking certain medications
Check with your ophthalmologist or nurse if you should take your prescription medications before surgery.
c) Use eye drops to reduce infection risk
Fasting Instructions Depending on the time of your surgery, you may be instructed to fast for a specific period of time before surgery. It is important that you follow the set of fasting instructions carefully.
For your safety, if you do not follow the fasting instructions, your operation may have to be postponed to a later date.
Contact Us If you feel unwell in the week before / on the day of surgery – have a cough, cold or fever, or develop redness or discharge from your eye – please call our Listing Room staff to reschedule your surgery to another date.
Singapore National Eye Centre Day Ward (65) 6322 9476 (before 8.30am) Listing Room: (65) 6227 7657 (during office hours, from 8.30am to 5.30pm)
The SNEC Day Ward offers day recovery facilities for patients undergoing surgery in SNEC. It houses two VIP suites, nine beds, 16 private cubicles, 31 recliner chairs and two dedicated nursing counters.
The day ward is staffed by experienced nurses who review patients’ physical health to ensure they are fully prepared for surgery upon arrival at the day ward, monitor patients closely after surgery for complications as well as counsel patients on post-surgery care prior discharge.
Location 2B Day Ward, Level 2, Lobby B2C Day Ward, Level 2, Lobby C
What should I bring on surgery day? Bring along the Day Surgery Guide folder, deposit/Letter of Guarantee (LOG), if any, and the following original documents:
Appointment card
Identity card (NRIC) / Passport / Birth certificate
Medisave form
Deposit / Letter of Guarantee (LOG)* if any
*If your company is paying for your surgery bills, please email your LOG to SNEC Business Office at email: eboff@snec.com.sg or fax to (65) 6223 2835 prior to your surgery. Failing which, you may have to pay for the deposit stated in the Day Surgery Admission Form
Bring along your medications (with labels) and your pre-operative eye drops.
Bring a pair of sunglasses (wrap-around style is best) to wear after surgery in case your eyes are sensitive to light.
Do not bring valuables and / or excess cash.
What should I wear on the surgery day? Wear comfortable clothing, e.g. loose pants or skirt and a button-front top with short or loose sleeves. Wear low heeled, non-slip shoes. Do not wear contact lenses, jewellery, make-up or false eyelashes. Remove your nail/gel polish and/or hair clip before surgery.
How long will I need to be in SNEC? The surgery duration will depend on the type of surgery that you are undergoing. Expect to be at the centre for about 3 to 5 hours. Preparation and post-operative observation and instruction take time.
Where and what time should I register? The registration place and time are indicated on the cover of your Day Surgery Guide folder. Please do not be late for your surgery.
What can I expect after registration?
The pre-op nurse will review your medical history to ensure that you are fit for surgery and check on your eye dilation.
For your safety and well-being, it is extremely important that you inform the nurse all of the medications that you are taking at home.
When it is time for surgery, you will be taken to the operating room by walking with a nurse or being wheeled on a stretcher / wheelchair.
What do I expect in the operating room?
Once in the operating room, your face will be covered with a sterile drape with a hole for your eye.
The eyelid is kept open by a small spring. This is not uncomfortable.
An anaesthetist is with you during surgery to provide sedation to make you feel comfortable and relaxed during the surgery. Depending on the individual, you may not be totally asleep during surgery but will remain comfortable. Anaesthetic eye drops and injections will be given to keep pain to a minimum. It is important to cooperate by not talking or moving your head and body during the surgery.
What can I expect after surgery? After the surgery, you will be taken to the recovery area where our nurses will monitor your progress. Recovery time may vary according to each individual and the nature of your surgery.
You will be provided with some biscuits and a hot drink when you are ready to take orally. For your safety, you are required to make arrangements for an adult (above 21 years) to accompany you home if your surgery is performed under sedation or general anaesthesia. Do not drive, operate heavy machinery or power tools, cook, drink alcoholic beverages or make legal decisions for at least 24 hours after your surgery.
Before you are discharged, specific post- operative instructions to aid your quick recovery may be reinforced by your doctor or nurse. Your personal belongings will be returned to you. If you are unfit for discharge, you will be admitted to a ward in Singapore General Hospital (SGH) for further monitoring and treatment.
How do I take care of my eyes after surgery? Your eyes may be sensitive to light for weeks or months after surgery. You may wear sunglasses if you find them helpful. It is normal to experience some redness, watery or grittiness of the eye for a few days or weeks after your surgery.
Symptoms should gradually improve as time passes. While it may be normal to experience some flashes immediately after surgery and occasional floaters, a sudden significant increase in floaters should not be ignored and requires urgent medical attention.
When can I discharge after surgery? You are ready for discharge when you are alert and stable. Before you go home, you will receive your eye drops, instructions about caring for your operated eye, and details of your next appointment.
Will I be prescribed with medication before going home? You will receive a prescription for medication after surgery, typically steroid (for treating inflammation) and antibiotic (for preventing infection) eye drops. It is important that you instill the eye drops as instructed.
Will I be given a follow-up appointment? Yes. Before you go home, you will be given a follow-up appointment to see your ophthalmologist.
What should I do if I experience the following symptoms?
Pain not relieved by medication
Decreased vision
Excessive discharge from the operated eye
Sudden increase of floaters or flashes
Should you experience or notice any of the above symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention at SNEC. For urgent consultation after clinic hours, on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays, please proceed to Singapore General Hospital A&E Department.
Who should I contact for repeat medications or further assistance? You can call:
(65) 6227 7266 (Appointments) – during office hours
(65) 6532 4865 (Answering Service) – after office hours
Location2B Day Ward, Level 2, Lobby B2C Day Ward, Level 2, Lobby C
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