Patient Information

Preparation Before Cataract Surgery

Eye care, fasting, medication and what to communicate

Proper preparation before cataract surgery helps ensure a smooth procedure and a better recovery. This guide summarises the key steps to follow in the days leading up to your intervention.

This information is a general guide. Always follow the specific instructions given by your surgeon.

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.

6 hours before: no solids

8 hours if heavy meal

2 hours before: no clear liquids

Not even water

Surgery

Regular medication for hypertension should still be taken, with a sip of water.

If you take a GLP-1 receptor agonist

If you are being treated with semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus), dulaglutide (Trulicity), liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda) or another GLP-1 analogue, fasting rules are modified:

SituationSolidsClear liquids
Without GLP-1Up to 6 h before (8 h if heavy meal)Up to 2 h before
With GLP-1 (elective, stable)24 h before: no solids — clear liquids onlyUp to 2 h before (as standard)

What are clear liquids?

Allowed: water, tea or coffee without milk, filtered juices without pulp, clear isotonic drinks, very filtered broth without fat.

NOT clear liquids: milk, smoothies, liquid yogurt, juices with pulp, thick soups, creams, purées.

Always consult your anaesthetist and surgeon. These recommendations may be adjusted according to your individual circumstances.

If you are diabetic

Consult your GP about the dose of pills or insulin (to suspend or reduce) according to the surgery schedule:

Morning surgery

You will not have breakfast

Afternoon surgery

You may have breakfast, respecting the fasting hours

If you take anticoagulants or antiplatelets

Inform both your ophthalmologist and anaesthetist. They may require interruption or substitution days before the procedure.

SintromEliquisXareltoPradaxaLixianaAspirina / AdiroTromalytDisgrenTiklid

Sintrom: If substitution with heparin is indicated, they will explain how at the pre-anaesthesia consultation. If not suspending, have a blood test (INR) 3–4 days before.

If in doubt, consult the ophthalmologist who will operate on you.

All other medication should be taken as usual, especially treatment for high blood pressure (with a sip of water).

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.

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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