If your physician has recommended eye surgery for you, take comfort in knowing that ESCNA is highly experienced in ophthalmic surgery. Since 2007, we have performed more than 30K procedures, so you can rest assured you are in the best possible hands. Your surgeon will provide you with detailed information on your specific procedure and answer all of your questions at your pre-surgical appointment.
Most eye surgeries are performed with sedation. Your procedure can be performed with no sedation if requested or needed. It is always a good idea to make a list of any questions or concerns you might have so we can properly address them prior to your surgery.
Preparing for Your Surgery
On the day of your surgery, you must be accompanied by an able-bodied person who can drive you home following the procedure. Please make the appropriate arrangements in advance. Plan to be at the surgery center for two to three hours. Your responsible party must also remain in the surgery center the entire time that you are here. If your driver does not remain in the facility, your procedure will be delayed or rescheduled.
Bring all of your medications or a list of your medications with the dosages with you. You may be instructed to discontinue certain medications prior to your procedure. If you are on medications for your heart, blood pressure, asthma, reflux or seizures, and you normally take these in the morning, please take them with a SIP of water when you first get up. Remember only a sip of water. If you have any allergies, please be sure to inform our nursing staff of them along with the type of reactions you have.
You will receive a phone call 3 – 7 days prior to your surgery confirming the date and arrival time of your procedure. If you have not received a phone call within 3 days of your scheduled procedure, please call the surgery center at 256-428-3934.
The Day of Surgery
Please remember, nothing to eat or drink after midnight and you must have a responsible person to remain in the facility and drive you home.
When you arrive, please sign in at the front desk. Be sure to bring your insurance cards, a photo ID, and be prepared to pay any deductible or co-pay that might be owing. Your co-pay or deductible is due and payable prior to your eye surgery.
You will receive two separate invoices for services rendered at the surgery center. These include the invoice for the services at the surgery center and the second is for your anesthesia services.
Once you have finished checking in at the front desk and met with insurance staff (if needed), one of our nurses will accompany you to our pre-op area. You will be asked to sign a surgical and anesthesia consent for. Your medical history will be reviewed, an IV will be started and drop will be administered to dilate your operative eye. When it is time for your procedure, you will be taken to the operating room.
After Your Surgery
When your doctor has finished with your surgery, you will be taken to the recovery area, where you will be monitored. You will be given a snack and your family/responsible driver will be brought back to be with you. The nursing staff will go over your discharge instructions with you and your family/responsible driver. The instructions will be given verbally and a written copy will be given to you to take home. You will be given a snack and will remain in this area until you are cleared to be discharged. You may be given a time to follow up at your physician’s office later that day. It is best not to schedule any other appointments the day of your procedure.
If you are feeling discomfort, please review your discharge instruction for the pain control measures your physician has requested. If you experience excessive pain or have any other concerns, please contact your physician’s office immediately. If it is after office hours, call the office number and instructions will be given on how to contact your physician. If it is after hours and you are in distress, proceed to your local emergency department. Remember to bring your discharge paperwork with you so that the attending physician can better understand your situation.
When you are home, try to relax and take it easy. Do not plan any activities for the day of your surgery. Do not rub the eye, drive, lift anything, perform strenuous activities or rise quickly from a sitting or lying down position. Follow your post-operative instructions, including taking all medications and drops as prescribed.
Be sure to follow all instructions given to you by the surgery center and by your physician. If you have questions concerning your care after your procedure, please call your physicians office. You will receive a call from the surgery center nursing staff 1-2 days after your procedure. This call is a follow-up after your procedure.
