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
Medication hold guidance before eye surgery
Some medications, including blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs, are paused before eye procedures. The schedule below is the practice’s general reference for how far in advance each one is discontinued.
These are general guidelines only
- Confirm every medication change with your prescribing doctor and your surgical team before you stop or skip a dose.
- Never stop a blood thinner without your prescriber’s approval.
| Medications | Discontinue |
|---|---|
| Ketorolac | 1 day prior to procedure |
| Ibuprofen | 1 day prior to procedure |
| Etodolac | 2 day prior to procedure |
| Indomethacin | 2 day prior to procedure |
| Xarelto | 3 day prior to procedure |
| Edoxaban | 3 day prior to procedure |
| Aspirin | 4 day prior to procedure |
| NSAIDS | 4 day prior to procedure |
| Pradaxa | 4 day prior to procedure |
| Eliquis | 4 day prior to procedure |
| Naproxen | 4 day prior to procedure |
| Meloxicam | 4 day prior to procedure |
| Coumadin | 5 day prior to procedure |
| Brilinta | 5 day prior to procedure |
| Diclofenac | 5 day prior to procedure |
| Relafen | 6 day prior to procedure |
| Plavix | 7 day prior to procedure |
| Effient | 7 day prior to procedure |
| Daypro | 10 day prior to procedure |
| Feldene | 10 day prior to procedure |
Questions about a medication on this list? Call the office at (818) 387-6565 or email office@hashemieyecare.com.
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.