Preparing for Cataract Surgery

In the Week Before Surgery

• Arrange transport: You must not drive yourself home after cataract surgery. Please organise a friend or family member to take you home. Taxis and rideshares are acceptable if someone accompanies you.
• Review your medications: Bring a complete list of your medications to your pre-operative appointment. Your surgeon will advise which, if any, to pause. Blood thinners (e.g. warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel) may need to be continued or stopped depending on your specific circumstances — do not stop them without being told to.
• Eye drops: You will be prescribed antibiotic and/or anti-inflammatory eye drops to start before surgery. Begin these as instructed — they reduce infection risk.
• Do not use eye make-up: Avoid mascara, eye liner, and eye shadow for 48 hours before surgery. These increase the risk of infection.
• Arrange time off: Most patients can return to desk work 1–2 days after surgery, but avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 2 weeks. Arrange leave accordingly.

The Day Before Surgery

• Wash your hair: Wash your hair the evening before — you should avoid getting water in your operated eye for at least one week after surgery.
• Confirm fasting requirements: If your surgery is under general anaesthesia or heavy sedation, you must fast (no food or drink including water) for at least 6 hours beforehand. If under local anaesthesia with light sedation, a light meal 4 hours before may be permitted. Your surgical facility will advise you directly.
• Pack your bag: Bring your Medicare card, private health insurance card (if applicable), photo ID, a list of your medications, and any eye drops prescribed. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
• Get a good night's sleep: Being well rested helps you recover more comfortably. Avoid alcohol the evening before surgery.

On the Morning of Surgery

• Continue your regular medications: Unless specifically told to stop them, take your usual morning medications with a small sip of water.
• Apply prescribed eye drops: If you were instructed to use drops on the morning of surgery, do so as directed.
• Do not wear contact lenses: Do not insert contact lenses on the day of surgery.
• Arrive on time: Allow extra time. You will need to complete admission paperwork and have dilating drops instilled before surgery. Being late delays the list for all patients.
• Leave valuables at home: Leave jewellery, watches, and large amounts of cash at home.

What to Expect on the Day

Cataract surgery itself takes approximately 15–20 minutes. You will be in the surgical facility for 2–4 hours in total, including admission, preparation, and recovery. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during surgery.

After surgery, a plastic shield will be placed over your eye. You will be given written instructions for your eye drops and a follow-up appointment before you leave.

Vision is often improved the following morning, though it may be blurry or variable for the first few days as your eye heals.