The week before cataract surgery: your checklist
In the week before cataract surgery, a few practical matters need sorting out: which medicines you keep taking, who accompanies you home and what to keep in mind on the day of surgery itself. None of it is complicated, but it is good to know before any stress sets in.
This checklist sums up what matters in the final days before the procedure.
What is already settled at the preliminary examination
Many of the points on this checklist were already discussed at the preliminary examination, often several weeks before the operation. That is where the key measurements take place that matter for the procedure itself.
At this appointment, biometry is carried out: a measurement of the eye which, together with further values, is used to calculate the right power for the artificial lens. You also discuss the choice of lens with your ophthalmologist and the target focus you want after surgery.
You usually sign the consent form at this appointment as well, after the procedure and the possible risks have been explained. Several weeks normally lie between the preliminary examination and the day of surgery. That leaves enough time to evaluate the measured values and order the right lens.
If questions come up during this interval, feel free to write them down. On the day of surgery itself there is usually little room for lengthy conversations, though a brief question is always possible.
Medication: what needs to be discussed
You keep taking most of your medicines as usual. What matters is that your ophthalmologist knows your complete medication list in advance.
- Blood thinners (such as aspirin, Marcumar or newer preparations) are generally not stopped. Pausing them on your own initiative, without consulting the prescribing doctor, can be riskier than the operation itself.
- Alpha-blockers, often prescribed for prostate problems, must be mentioned without fail. During the operation they can cause the iris to become temporarily floppy. The surgeon then adapts the technique accordingly.
- Diabetes medication such as metformin is continued as usual, unless agreed otherwise.
- Preparatory eye drops (antibiotic or anti-inflammatory) are often prescribed a few days before surgery. Follow the schedule exactly.
Practical checklist for the day of surgery
☐ Do not wear contact lenses: depending on the lens type, stop several days beforehand; if in doubt, check with the practice ☐ No eye make-up and no perfume on your face ☐ Bring your ID and your e-card (the Austrian health-insurance card) ☐ Bring your current medication list ☐ Arrange for someone to take you home ☐ Use the preparatory eye drops as prescribed ☐ Bring your current glasses, even if your eyesight is already impaired ☐ Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to put on and take off
Do I need to fast before the operation?
With the usual local anaesthesia using eye drops, fasting (no food or drink) is not required. You may eat and drink as usual beforehand. Only if a general anaesthetic is exceptionally planned, for instance because of marked restlessness or difficulty cooperating, does a fasting period of about six hours apply. Your practice will tell you this clearly in advance.
Why having someone accompany you matters
After the operation you must not drive yourself home, even if you feel well. Vision is still blurred immediately after the procedure, and your ability to react may be affected by sedative medication or by the excitement.
So plan firmly to be picked up, or to use a taxi or public transport. A companion is also helpful for going through the aftercare instructions again calmly.
What to take care of the day before
Set out the eye drops for the aftercare, if they have already been prescribed. Clear away trip hazards at home, since your vision will not yet be at its best in the first days after surgery. Keep the following one to two days quiet, without major appointments or physically demanding tasks.
Also lay out comfortable clothing for the next few days, in case your vision remains limited at first. If you live alone, it is a good idea to arrange for someone to look in briefly on the evening after the operation, even though the procedure itself usually goes smoothly.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to stop blood thinners before cataract surgery? In most cases, no. The risk of stopping them is often higher than the bleeding risk during the operation. The final decision is made by your ophthalmologist together with the prescribing doctor.
What if I forgot to mention my alpha-blocker medication? Report it as early as possible before surgery, ideally at the preliminary examination. The surgeon can adapt the technique accordingly to avoid complications.
Can I drive myself to the practice on the day of surgery? To the practice, yes, provided your eyesight still allows it. For the way home, however, you need a companion or another means of transport.
How far in advance should I stop wearing contact lenses? That depends on the lens type. Soft lenses are usually paused a few days beforehand, rigid lenses sometimes longer. Your practice will give you precise recommendations at the preliminary examination.
Do the preliminary examination and the operation have to be on the same day? No, there are usually several weeks between the preliminary examination and the operation. That leaves enough time to evaluate the measured values and order the right artificial lens.
What happens if a general anaesthetic is exceptionally planned after all? You will be told clearly in advance, for instance in cases of marked restlessness or difficulty cooperating. In that case, a fasting period of about six hours before the procedure applies.
Next steps
You will find more on the whole path from the first examination to surgery on our page about preparation. How the procedure itself unfolds is described under surgery procedure.
