Perioperative care of the patient undergoing cataract surgery

1. The perioperative nurse should determine the patient's knowledge base about the cataract procedure, and then relay information about what to expect in the perioperative period, including what is expected of the patient. 2. Postoperative instructions to the patient include wearing the eye shield at all times, no bending or straining, and reporting any drainage from the operative eye, extreme pain, a fall or injury to the eye, or decreased vision in the operative eye. 3. Perioperative nurses caring for ophthalmic surgery patients must be meticulous in instrument care and preparation and in identifying potential problems unique to patients having cataract surgery.