Preparing for Surgery

Once you have had your initial appointment, your doctor may prescribe you a list of "to-dos" prior to your surgery.

If instructed by your surgeon, stop taking medications that may cause complications during surgery, and start taking any medication your doctor prescribes as some of these may help prevent infection and inflammation.

Don't forget to schedule time off from work. Most people need at least one day to recover before resuming their regular work schedules.

Make arrangements for the day of surgery so that you have a ride to and from the hospital or surgery center. Tell your spouse, caregiver or friend that the entire process from check-in to checkout should last about two to three hours. (The actual procedure usually takes just 10 to 15 minutes per eye. See For Caregivers.) You may also need someone to pick up any postoperative medications for you and give you a ride to your follow-up exam the next day. As a general rule, patients are asked to refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours prior to surgery. Some doctors allow their patients to eat a light breakfast on the day of the procedure, while others recommend skipping the morning meal.

To help maintain a clean surgical environment, you should shower and wash your hair on the day of the surgery as well. Wear clean, comfortable clothes.

For your own reference, you can also print out Preparing for Cataract Surgery (PDF, 41k).