Attire for cataract surgery directly impacts patient comfort and the efficiency of the procedure. Appropriate clothing facilitates the pre-operative process, especially when staff need to monitor blood pressure or start an intravenous line. The right garments help maintain the sterile conditions necessary for a successful outpatient surgery. These choices minimize disruption and ensure a smooth experience from arrival to discharge.
The Core Rule: Comfort and Accessibility
Attire should prioritize a loose fit, allowing medical staff easy access to arms for monitoring devices or the insertion of an IV catheter, if necessary. Restrictive clothing, particularly around the chest or arms, can interfere with the proper placement of blood pressure cuffs or heart rate monitors, potentially delaying the start of the procedure. Choosing garments that do not constrict circulation helps ensure accurate readings.
Layering is highly recommended due to the unpredictable temperature fluctuations in surgical environments. Operating rooms are often kept cool to inhibit bacterial growth and accommodate staff wearing surgical attire. A zip-up sweater or cardigan is a simple solution for regulating personal comfort levels.
The clothing selected should also be easy to remove and put back on, as some facilities require patients to change into a surgical gown before the procedure. Easy-to-manage garments simplify dressing after the operation when vision may be temporarily limited by the post-operative eye shield or mild sedation effects. Look for items that can be handled with minimal effort and do not require complex fastenings.
Specific Garment Recommendations
Selecting the proper top is the most important clothing decision for cataract surgery, directly impacting post-operative safety and incision integrity. Patients should wear full button-up shirts or blouses, or opt for zip-up hoodies or sweaters that open fully in the front. This style completely prevents the need to pull fabric over the face and delicate surgical area immediately after the procedure, protecting the incision site from accidental contact or pressure. Loose T-shirts are an acceptable alternative, provided they have a wide neck opening that minimizes friction near the eye area.
Bottoms should focus entirely on comfort and non-restriction, making loose-fitting sweatpants or trousers with an elastic waistband ideal for the day’s events. These materials are preferable to stiff denim jeans or restrictive fabrics. Restrictive fabrics can become uncomfortable during longer periods of sitting, waiting, or lying on the operating table.
Footwear must prioritize safety and stability above all else. Flat, closed-toe shoes with non-slip rubber soles are the best choice for both arrival and departure. Sneakers or comfortable walking shoes provide the necessary foot stability and support. High heels, open-backed clogs, or sandals should be avoided entirely, as they significantly increase the risk of tripping hazards during the critical recovery walk to the waiting vehicle.
Essential Items to Avoid
Patients must leave all jewelry at home, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings. This restriction is primarily due to safety protocols related to the use of electrocautery equipment during the operation, which requires a clear path for electrical current and grounding. Metal objects also pose an infection control risk, as they can harbor microorganisms.
Avoiding makeup, especially eye makeup like mascara and eyeliner, is a strict pre-operative requirement. Particles from cosmetics can flake or fall into the surgical field, significantly increasing the risk of post-operative infection. Patients should arrive with a clean face, free of lotions, creams, or heavy moisturizers, to ensure the effectiveness of the antiseptic solutions used for skin preparation around the eye.
Strong perfumes, colognes, and heavily scented body lotions should also be avoided out of consideration for others. Many staff and other patients in the facility may have sensitivities or allergies to heavy fragrances. Large accessories like bulky watches, oversized hair clips, or hats should be left with a companion or at home. These items can interfere with positioning in the operating room or complicate the application of monitoring equipment.