Having eye surgery can feel stressful, especially if it is your first surgical procedure. You may have questions about what to do before eye surgery, whether you need to stop your medicines, when to stop wearing contact lenses, what to eat, what to bring, and how to arrange your recovery at home. Good preparation can help you understand the procedure, follow your surgeon’s instructions and make your surgery day more organized. However, it is important to understand that eye surgery preparation is not the same for every procedure. Preparation for cataract surgery can be different from preparation for LASIK, glaucoma surgery, corneal surgery or another ophthalmic procedure. Your ophthalmologist will provide instructions based on your specific surgery, medical history and type of anesthesia. This guide explains the general steps involved in preparing for eye surgery, while highlighting the instructions that commonly matter before eye procedures. Important: Never stop prescription medicines, blood thinners or other treatments on your own. Always follow the instructions of your surgeon and the doctor who prescribed your medication.

What Is Eye Surgery Preparation?

Eye surgery preparation includes all the medical, practical and personal steps you need to complete before an ophthalmic procedure. It may include:

• A comprehensive eye examination
• Medical history review
• Medication review
• Diagnostic eye tests
• Corneal or eye measurements
• Contact-lens restrictions
• Prescribed eye drops
• Hygiene instructions
• Fasting instructions when applicable
• Arranging transportation
• Preparing your home for recovery
• Understanding possible risks and warning signs

The exact preparation depends on the type of surgery. For example, cataract surgery may involve measurements for an intraocular lens (IOL), while LASIK requires detailed corneal assessment and refractive measurements.

Why Is Preparing for Eye Surgery Important?

Preparing properly is not simply about arriving at the hospital or clinic on time. Your surgeon needs accurate information about your eyes and overall health before deciding how to proceed. A preoperative assessment can help identify medical or eye conditions that may require attention before surgery. General surgical guidance also recommends reviewing medical history, medications and previous test results before an operation. Proper preparation can help you:

• Understand the planned procedure
• Complete necessary eye tests
• Follow medication instructions
• Reduce avoidable problems
• Arrange safe transportation
• Prepare for postoperative care
• Know when to contact your doctor
• Have realistic expectations about recovery

Before Eye Surgery: Your Complete Preparation Checklist

1. Understand What Surgery You Are Having

Before the procedure, make sure you know the exact name and purpose of your eye surgery. Common ophthalmic procedures include:

• Cataract surgery
• LASIK
• PRK
• SMILE
• Glaucoma surgery
• Corneal procedures
• Retinal procedures
• Eyelid or oculoplastic surgery

Ask your ophthalmologist to explain:

What is being treated?
Why is surgery recommended?
What will happen during the procedure?
What are the alternatives?
What should you expect during recovery?

Understanding these points can help you make an informed decision.

2. Have a Complete Eye Examination

A detailed eye examination is one of the most important steps before eye surgery. Depending on the procedure, your doctor may assess:

• Visual acuity
• Eye pressure
• Corneal health
• Retina
• Optic nerve
• Tear film
• Eye surface
• Lens
• Eye measurements
• Existing eye diseases

For cataract surgery, eye measurements are used to help select an appropriate artificial lens or IOL. For laser vision correction, corneal mapping and other measurements help determine whether the eye is suitable for treatment and help plan the procedure.

3. Tell Your Doctor About Your Medical History

Your ophthalmologist should know about your previous and current health conditions. Tell your doctor if you have:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Autoimmune conditions
• Bleeding disorders
• Previous eye surgery
• Previous eye injuries
• Dry eyes
• Glaucoma
• Corneal problems
• Eye infections
• Allergies
• Other significant medical conditions

Do not assume that a condition is unrelated to your eye surgery. Your surgeon can decide whether additional precautions or tests are necessary.

4. Make a Complete List of Your Medicines

One of the most important parts of preparing for eye surgery is reviewing your medications. Tell your doctor about everything you take, including:

• Prescription medicines
• Over-the-counter medicines
• Eye drops
• Vitamins
• Herbal supplements
• Blood-thinning medicines
• Steroids
• Allergy medicines

The FDA specifically recommends telling your doctor about medications and allergies before LASIK. For some eye surgeries, your ophthalmologist may recommend temporarily changing certain medications. For example, medication that affects bleeding may need special consideration. However, this must be decided by your medical team.

Never Stop Medication Yourself

Do not stop blood thinners, diabetes medicines, blood-pressure medicines or any other prescription medication simply because you are having surgery. Ask your surgeon exactly: “Which medicines should I continue, and which should I temporarily stop?”

5. Follow Contact Lens Instructions

If you wear contact lenses, your surgeon may ask you to stop wearing them before certain eye procedures. This is particularly important before refractive surgery such as LASIK because contact lenses can temporarily change the shape of the cornea. The FDA notes that the required contact-lens-free period varies according to lens type and that accurate corneal measurements may require sufficient time without lenses.

Why Does This Matter?

If the cornea has not returned to its natural shape, measurements may be inaccurate. That can affect surgical planning.Therefore, don’t guess when you should stop wearing your lenses. Follow the exact timeline given by your ophthalmologist.

6. Use Prescribed Eye Drops Correctly

Use prescribed eye drops and medicines before eye surgery according to your ophthalmologist’s instructions. Some eye surgeries require medications or special eye drops before the procedure. For example, patients undergoing cataract surgery may be prescribed eye drops to help protect the eye from infection or prepare the eye for surgery. Depending on your procedure, your doctor may prescribe:

• Antibiotic drops
• Anti-inflammatory drops
• Lubricating drops
• Other specific medications

Follow the Schedule Carefully

If your doctor tells you to use a particular drop several times a day, follow the recommended schedule. Do not add or stop eye drops without discussing it with your ophthalmologist.

7. Ask Whether You Need Fasting

Fasting is not required for every eye surgery. This is an important point because fasting instructions depend on the type of procedure and anesthesia. Some cataract procedures performed under local anesthesia may allow normal eating and drinking, while procedures involving general anesthesia or sedation may require specific fasting instructions. Therefore:

Do not assume you need to fast.

Do not assume you can eat normally.

Instead, ask your surgical team: “When should I stop eating and drinking before surgery?” Follow the instructions exactly.

8. Keep Your Eyes and Eyelids Clean

Your surgical team may provide instructions for cleaning the eyelids and eyelashes before surgery. The purpose is to reduce debris and microorganisms around the surgical area. For some cataract procedures, patients may be advised to clean their eyelids and eyelashes before surgery. Your doctor may recommend:

• Eyelid cleaning
• Warm compresses
• Special eyelid wipes
• A specific cleansing solution

Only use the method recommended by your healthcare team.

9. Avoid Eye Makeup Before Surgery

Before many eye procedures, you may be asked to avoid:

• Mascara
• Eyeliner
• Eye shadow
• Eye creams
• Facial creams near the eyes
• Lotions
• Perfume

The FDA advises LASIK patients to stop creams, lotions, makeup and perfumes the day before surgery because these products and debris around the eyelashes can increase contamination risk. Your clinic may give you a specific timeline, so follow its instructions.

10. Tell Your Doctor If You Become Unwell

Do not ignore a new illness before surgery. Contact your surgical team if you develop:

• Fever
• Severe cough
• Cold or flu symptoms
• Eye infection
• Significant redness
• New eye pain
• Other significant illness

Some hospitals advise patients to contact the surgical team if they become unwell shortly before eye surgery because the procedure may need to be postponed. The final decision should always be made by your medical team.

11. Discuss Allergies

Tell your ophthalmologist about any known allergies. This includes allergies to:

• Medicines
• Antibiotics
• Eye drops
• Anesthetic medicines
• Latex
• Adhesive materials

The FDA specifically recommends discussing allergies before LASIK. If you have experienced an unusual reaction to an eye drop or medication in the past, tell your doctor before surgery.

12. Ask About Anesthesia or Sedation

Different eye surgeries may use different forms of anesthesia. Depending on the procedure, you may receive:

• Numbing eye drops
• Local anesthesia
• An injection around the eye
• Sedation
• General anesthesia in selected situations

Ask your doctor:

• What type of anesthesia will I receive?
• Will I be awake?
• Will I feel anything?
• How long will the effect last?
• Can I eat or drink beforehand?
• Will I need someone to take me home?

Understanding the anesthesia plan can make the experience less stressful.

13. Arrange Transportation

This is one of the most important practical steps before eye surgery. Depending on the procedure and anesthesia, your vision may be temporarily blurred and you may not be allowed to drive. The FDA recommends arranging transportation for LASIK surgery and the first follow-up visit. For other eye procedures, the same principle may apply.

Plan:

Home → Clinic/Hospital → Home
Do not wait until surgery day to find someone.

14. Arrange Help at Home

Think about what you will need after surgery. Depending on the procedure, you may need help with:

• Transportation
• Household work
• Shopping
• Looking after children
• Cooking
• Medication schedules
• Getting to follow-up appointments

For some surgeries, having another adult available during the initial recovery period may be useful. Ask your surgeon how much assistance you are likely to need.

15. Prepare Your Recovery Space

Before surgery, make your home comfortable. Keep commonly needed items within easy reach:

• Prescribed eye drops
• Clean tissues
• Water
• Medicines
• Phone
• Emergency contact numbers
• Sunglasses if recommended
• Protective eye shield if provided

Avoid placing frequently used items somewhere that requires excessive bending or stretching if your surgeon has advised activity restrictions.

The Day Before Eye Surgery

Your final preparation should focus on following your clinic’s instructions rather than trying new things.

Day-Before Checklist

☐ Follow medication instructions
☐ Follow eye-drop instructions
☐ Stop contact lenses if instructed
☐ Avoid eye makeup
☐ Follow eyelid-cleaning instructions
☐ Confirm surgery time
☐ Confirm transportation
☐ Check fasting instructions
☐ Keep medical documents ready
☐ Prepare comfortable clothing
☐ Keep your phone charged
☐ Arrange help at home if required

For LASIK, the FDA specifically advises avoiding makeup, creams, lotions and perfumes before surgery and arranging transportation.

What to Wear on the Day of Eye Surgery

Choose comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Avoid clothing that is difficult to remove or may come into contact with your face and eyes. Depending on the facility, you may also be asked to remove:

• Jewellery
• Makeup
• Contact lenses
• Certain accessories

Hospital instructions commonly recommend removing makeup and jewellery before surgery and wearing comfortable clothing.

What Should You Bring to the Eye Clinic?

Keep your essentials organized.

Documents

Bring:

• Appointment information
• Identification if required
• Medical records if requested
• Previous eye reports
• Insurance documents if applicable

Medication Information

Bring a current list of:

• Medicine names
• Dosages
• Allergies
• Relevant medical information

Some hospitals specifically advise patients to bring medication lists or medicines in their original packaging.

Personal Items

Depending on your procedure, you may also need:

• Glasses
• Contact-lens case if applicable
• Phone
• Emergency contact details

Avoid carrying unnecessary valuables.

Questions to Ask Before Eye Surgery

Never hesitate to ask your ophthalmologist questions. Here are some useful ones:

About the Procedure

• Why do I need this surgery?
• What exactly will happen?
• How long will it take?
• What type of anesthesia will be used?
• Are there alternatives?

About Preparation

• Should I stop wearing contact lenses?
• Which medicines should I continue?
• Do I need to stop any medicines?
• Do I need to use eye drops?
• Do I need to fast?
• Can I wear makeup?

About Recovery

• When can I drive?
• When can I return to work?
• When can I exercise?
• When can I swim?
• How often will I need follow-up visits?
• What symptoms should make me call you immediately?

The FDA recommends discussing risks, benefits, alternatives, expectations and your responsibilities before signing informed consent.

Understanding Informed Consent

Before surgery, your doctor should explain the procedure and its potential risks and benefits. You should have an opportunity to ask questions and understand what you are agreeing to. Informed consent is not simply a signature. You should understand:

• What procedure is planned
• Why it is recommended
• Potential benefits
• Possible risks
• Alternatives
• Expected recovery
• Follow-up requirements

For cataract surgery, for example, patients should receive information about the procedure, including its risks, benefits and alternatives.

What Happens on the Day of Eye Surgery?

The exact process varies by procedure, but your visit may include:

Step 1: Registration

You arrive at the clinic or hospital and complete the required documentation.

Step 2: Preoperative Checks

The team may verify:

• Your identity
• Planned procedure
• Medical history
• Medications
• Allergies
• Vital signs
• Eye measurements

Step 3: Eye Preparation

Your eye may be cleaned and prepared for surgery. Depending on the procedure, you may receive dilating or anesthetic drops.

Step 4: Surgery

The ophthalmologist performs the planned procedure using specialized equipment.

Step 5: Immediate Recovery

After surgery, your eye is checked and postoperative instructions are provided. The exact sequence depends on the type of eye surgery.

After Eye Surgery: What Should You Expect?

Preparation does not end when the surgery is completed. Your after-surgery care is equally important. Your doctor may prescribe:

• Antibiotic eye drops
• Anti-inflammatory eye drops
• Lubricating drops
• Other medications
• Protective eye covering

Use these exactly as instructed.

Do Not Rub or Touch Your Eyes

Avoid rubbing your operated eye. Your doctor may also provide a protective shield, particularly after procedures where the eye needs protection during healing. For LASIK, the FDA specifically advises using the protective shield to prevent rubbing and accidental pressure on the eye.

Follow Your Activity Restrictions

Your doctor may temporarily restrict:

• Swimming
• Heavy exercise
• Contact sports
• Eye makeup
• Certain work activities

The exact restriction period depends on your surgery. For example, FDA LASIK guidance includes specific restrictions on swimming, contact sports and eye makeup during recovery. Never compare your recovery timeline directly with another patient’s.

Attend Every Follow-Up Appointment

Regular follow-up appointments help the ophthalmologist monitor healing and recovery after eye surgery. Follow-up visits allow your ophthalmologist to assess healing and vision. Your doctor may check:

• Visual acuity
• Eye pressure
• Corneal or surgical site healing
• Inflammation
• Infection
• Dry-eye symptoms
• Other procedure-specific findings

Do not skip follow-up appointments simply because you feel better.

When Should You Contact Your Eye Doctor?

Some postoperative symptoms can be expected, depending on the surgery. However, severe or worsening symptoms should not be ignored. Contact your ophthalmologist promptly if you experience:

• Severe or increasing eye pain
• Sudden reduction in vision
• Significant redness
• Increasing swelling
• New or worsening visual symptoms
• Unusual discharge
• Other symptoms specifically identified by your surgeon

For LASIK, the FDA advises contacting the doctor immediately for severe pain or worsening vision or symptoms. If you have a serious eye injury or sudden major vision loss, seek urgent medical attention.

Common Mistakes to Avoid Before Eye Surgery

Mistake 1: Stopping Medicines Without Advice

Never make medication changes independently.

Mistake 2: Wearing Contact Lenses Longer Than Instructed

This can interfere with measurements for certain procedures.

Mistake 3: Applying Eye Makeup on Surgery Day

Follow your clinic’s instructions regarding makeup and facial products.

Mistake 4: Forgetting Transportation

Plan your journey home in advance.

Mistake 5: Not Mentioning Previous Eye Problems

Tell your surgeon about previous surgeries, injuries and eye diseases.

Mistake 6: Assuming Every Surgery Has the Same Instructions

Cataract surgery, LASIK and glaucoma surgery have different preparation requirements.

Mistake 7: Ignoring New Illness

Tell your surgical team if you become unwell before the procedure.

Eye Surgery Preparation: Quick Checklist

One to Several Weeks Before

☐ Complete required eye examination
☐ Complete diagnostic tests
☐ Discuss medical history
☐ Review medicines
☐ Discuss allergies
☐ Follow contact-lens instructions
☐ Understand risks and alternatives

A Few Days Before

☐ Follow prescribed eye drops
☐ Follow eyelid-cleaning instructions
☐ Confirm transportation
☐ Arrange home support
☐ Confirm appointment time
☐ Inform doctor about any new illness

Day Before

☐ Follow fasting instructions if applicable
☐ Avoid makeup as instructed
☐ Follow medication instructions
☐ Prepare documents
☐ Prepare prescribed medicines
☐ Get adequate rest

Surgery Day

☐ Wear comfortable clothing
☐ Avoid contact lenses if instructed
☐ Avoid makeup
☐ Bring required documents
☐ Bring medication list
☐ Have transportation arranged
☐ Follow the surgical team’s instructions

Final Takeaway

Good eye surgery preparation begins well before you enter the operating room. A complete eye examination, accurate diagnostic testing, medication review, contact-lens instructions, proper hygiene, transportation planning and understanding of your postoperative care are all important parts of preparing for surgery. Most importantly, do not assume that preparation instructions are the same for every eye procedure. Cataract surgery, LASIK, glaucoma surgery and other ophthalmic procedures can have different requirements. If you have any uncertainty about medicines, fasting, contact lenses, eye drops or activities, ask your ophthalmologist before the surgery rather than making your own decision.