Eye Surgery

Although every surgery is different, the following general guidelines will help you prepare for your out-patient procedure at the Duke Eye Center. Your surgical team will provide more specific information before, during, and after your procedure. Some of the common surgeries performed at the Duke Eye Center include:

• Cataract surgery 
• Corneal surgeries such as corneal transplant
• Glaucoma surgery
• Laser eye surgery 
• Retinal surgeries such as retinal detachment repair
• Cosmetic eye surgery

• The day before your surgery, we will call you to confirm your surgery time and location and to answer any questions.
• Depending on the type of surgery you are having, you may be asked to not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the procedure.

• You should arrive at the Eye Center 1½ hours before surgery. Bring your completed medical forms, a photo ID, insurance cards, and medication information.
• You should be accompanied by an adult who will stay with you for the duration of your procedure and be able to transport you home. Otherwise, your surgery will be delayed or rescheduled.
• From the lobby of the main Eye Center building, take the elevator to the third floor, turn left when you exit the elevator, and check in at the registration desk.
• Before surgery, you will speak to your surgical team, which includes your anesthesiologist, surgeon, nurse anesthetist, and others. They will review your procedure and answer your questions.  
• While our goal is to stay on time, surgeries scheduled before yours may take longer than expected, and you may have to wait. Our care team will give each person the time necessary to ensure the best outcome.

• You will remain in the recovery room for observation until it is safe for you to go home. The time required to recover varies depending on your surgery, the type of anesthesia you received, and your overall health. In a few cases, patients stay overnight so their condition can be monitored.
• Your care team will provide you and your caregiver instructions for your care at home.  
• Most people have a follow-up appointment the day after surgery. 

If your treatment plan includes eye surgery, it may take place at the Duke Eye Center or at one of our other locations.

• Davis Ambulatory Surgical Center
• Duke Raleigh Hospital Surgery Center
• Duke Ambulatory Surgery Center Arringdon 

This depends on your eye condition and the type of surgery you need.