Cataract Surgery Preparation
Prepare for cataract surgery.
Keep the practical steps for the week before surgery in one focused checklist, then follow any personalized instructions from our office or the surgery center.
At a Glance
One checklist for the days before surgery.
Pre-Surgery Checklist
Your preparation, step by step
These reminders apply to cataract surgery. Instructions from your surgical team always take priority.
- 1 week before
Prepare your eyelids
Stop wearing eye makeup. Wash your eyelids and eyelashes every night with baby shampoo.
- Before surgery
Confirm pre-op clearance
Make sure your primary care doctor sends your history and physical, blood work, and EKG to our office.
- Before surgery
Arrange transportation
Coordinate drop-off and pickup with a friend or family member. You cannot drive on surgery day.
- 2 days before
Start your eye drops
You will receive eye drops from our office. Start using them 2 days before surgery, following the instructions provided with them.
- Night before
Follow fasting instructions
Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery.
- Day of surgery
Shower before arrival
Shower before your surgery and arrive with a clean face and eyelids.
Medications Before Surgery
Your personal medication instructions
Tell your surgical team about every prescription medicine, over-the-counter medicine, supplement, and eye drop you use. Your prescribing clinician and surgical team will tell you which medicines to continue or pause and when to restart them.
Follow your individual medication plan
- Do not stop a blood thinner or change a dose based on this webpage. Call the office if you have not received your personal medication instructions.
Questions about your medication instructions? Call the office at (818) 387-6565.
Before Surgery
Confirm anything that is unclear.
Your personalized instructions take priority over general website guidance. Contact the office if any part of the checklist is unclear.