General information does not replace your clinic’s written instructions. The anaesthetic technique, procedure and your medical conditions can change the preparation plan.
What should I bring for cataract surgery?
Short answer. Bring the documents and test results listed by the clinic, a complete medication list and any essential personal items.
The exact list depends on the clinic and whether you go home the same day. You may need identification, referral or admission papers, investigation results, regular medicines, glasses, hearing aids or a walking aid, and a phone and charger.
Wear clean, loose clothing. Do not wear eye or face make-up and remove contact lenses. If you are staying in hospital, bring spare clothing, sleepwear, comfortable footwear and toiletries.
- Do not drive yourself home.
- Ask whether an accompanying adult is required.
- Tell the clinic before arrival if you develop fever, cough, eye redness or discharge.
Can I eat and drink before cataract surgery?
Short answer. Eating and drinking are usually allowed for routine surgery under local anaesthesia. Sedation or general anaesthesia requires specific fasting instructions.
Most cataract procedures are performed under local anaesthesia, and patients are usually not required to arrive fasting, although some clinics recommend a light meal.
If sedation or general anaesthesia is planned, the clinic should tell you when to stop food and fluids and which morning medicines you may take. People with diabetes need an individual plan.
- Confirm the planned anaesthetic technique.
- Do not apply a universal “nothing after midnight” rule unless your clinic instructs you to do so.
- Your clinic’s written instructions take priority.
Should I stop blood-thinning medicines?
Short answer. Do not stop anticoagulants or antiplatelet medicines on your own.
For routine phacoemulsification under low-trauma local anaesthesia, many antithrombotic medicines are often continued. Other eye operations may carry a different bleeding risk.
The decision must also consider the risk of thrombosis, stroke or heart attack. Tell the surgical team the name, dose, timing and reason for every medicine you take.
- Do not skip or replace a medicine without direct medical advice.
- Do not start bridging injections yourself.
- If treatment is interrupted, you should be told the last dose and restart dates.
Sources
Educational information only. Your clinic’s individual instructions take priority.