Patient Information

Preparation Before Cataract Surgery

Eye care, fasting, medication and what to communicate

Preparation for cataract surgery includes confirming medication, fasting and eye-care instructions with the team responsible for your procedure.

This is general educational information. The written instructions from your surgical and anaesthetic team take precedence because the plan depends on the procedure, anaesthesia and your health.

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Eyelid hygiene with suitable wipes

Both eyes, eyelid margin and eyelashes. Twice a day (morning and evening).

Do not wear contact lenses or eye makeup

During the 3 days before the procedure.

Do not wear perfume or cologne on the day of surgery

Unless otherwise instructed by your ophthalmologist, do not discontinue any eye treatment you are currently using.

Confirm when fasting starts

It depends on the anaesthetic plan and the centre protocol

Follow the time given in writing

Do not assume that every procedure uses the same schedule

Surgery

Ask specifically which regular medicines to take on the day and whether they may be taken with a small sip of water.

If you take a GLP-1 receptor agonist

Tell the surgical and anaesthetic team if you take semaglutide, tirzepatide, dulaglutide, liraglutide or another GLP-1 medicine. Current guidance recommends an individual assessment rather than a universal stop rule.

SituationAssessmentWhat to do
Before any procedureConfirm the type of anaesthesia and scheduled timeFollow the centre’s written fasting instructions
If you take a GLP-1 medicineReport the medicine, dose, recent increases and digestive symptomsDo not stop or change it without express instructions

Why does the plan vary?

Many patients may continue GLP-1 treatment, with appropriate risk assessment and anaesthetic precautions.

Recent dose escalation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal symptoms or other aspiration risks may require a different plan.

Do not use this page to decide whether to stop treatment. Follow the instructions issued for your procedure by the anaesthetic and surgical team.

If you are diabetic

Ask the team managing your diabetes for a written plan for tablets and insulin. Do not reduce or omit a dose on the basis of this general guide.

Morning surgery

Confirm fasting and diabetes medication instructions

Afternoon surgery

Confirm whether breakfast is allowed and at what time

If you take anticoagulants or antiplatelets

Tell your ophthalmologist and anaesthetist exactly what you take. Do not stop, restart or replace an anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicine without express, coordinated instructions from the surgical team and the clinician who prescribed it.

SintromEliquisXareltoPradaxaLixianaAspirina / AdiroTromalytDisgrenTiklid

Sintrom: The need for an INR check, dose adjustment or heparin bridging is individual. Only follow the plan given to you expressly; bridging is not a routine decision for every patient.

If you have not received a clear plan, contact the surgical team before the procedure.

Confirm all regular medication with the team. Do not assume that a medicine should be taken or withheld because of general online advice.

Important: communicate before the procedure

Contact your surgical team if any of the following apply in the days before your scheduled surgery:

  • You develop a cold, cough, fever, or any active infection
  • You have redness, discharge, or unusual discomfort in the eye to be operated on
  • You have started or stopped any medication since your last visit
  • You are unsure about whether to take any of your usual medications on the day of surgery
  • Your general health has changed significantly

When in doubt, call. It is always better to check than to assume.

Frequently asked questions

Comfortable clothing with a front opening (e.g. a button-up shirt). Avoid turtlenecks, tight-fitting tops, or clothing you need to pull over your head. Do not wear makeup, perfume, or creams on your face.

In general, yes — especially blood pressure medication, which should be taken with a small sip of water. However, your surgeon and anaesthetist will give you specific instructions for your case.

Yes. You will not be able to drive after the procedure. Please arrange for someone to accompany you and take you home safely.
Editorial transparency

Authorship, medical review and sources

Author and medical reviewer
Dr. Francisco Javier Abellán Martínez
Ophthalmologist · Medical registration no. 282880215
The same specialist currently authors and medically reviews the content; this is not presented as an independent external review.
Last medically reviewed
Sources consulted (6)

General educational content. It does not replace an individual assessment, diagnosis or personalised instructions from your healthcare team.

How these guides are written and reviewed

Questions about your preparation?

If you have any doubts about how to prepare for your cataract surgery, do not hesitate to get in touch.

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