Cataract surgery, phacoemulsification and aspiration followed
by intraocular lens implantation.

Outpatient and inpatient surgery

Cataract and glaucoma surgeries are safe when performed as outpatient procedures because of the progress made in surgical techniques.

Outpatient surgery
According to preoperative instructions, topical and oral medications are started 2 days before surgery. On the morning of the surgery, patients come to the hospital at the instructed time and undergo the same preoperative treatment as an inpatient.
A few hours after surgery, the physician confirms the patient’s condition, and he or she then can return home. This is billed as 1-day inpatient care according to the Japanese health insurance system. After returning home, a nurse calls the patient’s home on the evening of the surgery. If there is a postoperative complication, proper instructions are provided by a doctor. On the evening of the surgery, the patient can contact the hospital directly by telephone throughout the night. On the day following surgery, the patient returns to the hospital for an examination and removal of the eye patch. Under normal conditions, the patient returns for follow-up visits to the hospital 2 days, 4 days, and 1 week after each last visit. On the day of the surgery and until about 1 week after surgery, a family member or friend should accompany the patient to and from the hospital.

Inpatient surgery
The patient stays in an inpatient room. Nurses in charge supervise patients on the ward throughout the day. While hospitalized, a physician examines the patient in his or her room each day.

Which is the better option: outpatient or inpatient surgery?
The choice depends on the patient’s condition. If a patient can travel easily to the hospital accompanied by a family member or friend, outpatient surgery is available. For older patients who may have other medical disorders, outpatient surgery is recommended because it may be less disruptive to their daily rythm. Outpatient surgery is also recommended for patients undergoing kidney dialysis, with the first priority given to dialysis.

Observation
As a part of our information disclosure activities, the Hara Eye Hospital has been providing broadcasts of the live surgery for patient’ family members since 1976. This helps the observers understand the surgery to details. Only patient’s family members who are older than 13 years old are allowed to observe to protect the patient’s privacy.