Preparing for Cataract Surgery

What to Do Leading Up to Your Surgery

• Start by taking your eye drops one day before surgery.

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery unless you have been otherwise instructed by your pre-admission nurse.

• Bathe or shower that morning of your surgery to minimize risk of infection. Please do not wear makeup, lotions, fragrance, or jewelry. Underarm deodorant/anti-perspirant is OK. Wear loose-fitting clothing.

• Do not take oral diabetic medications on the day of surgery.

You’ll receive a phone call from your pre-admission nurse in the days leading up to your surgery. Your pre-admission nurse will tell you what time to arrive at the surgery center. Please arrange to bring someone over the age of 18 who can wait outside during your surgery, drive you home afterward, and stay with you at home at least four hours after your surgery.

Bring These with You on the Day of Your Surgery

You will receive a phone call from your pre-admission nurse in the days leading up to your surgery. Your pre-admission nurse will tell you what time to arrive at the surgery center. Please arrange to bring someone over the age of 18 who can wait during your surgery, drive you home afterward, and stay with you at home at least four hours after your surgery. .

Your insurance card, a photo ID, your post-operative prescriptions (e.g., your eye drops)