Dr. Claiborne Callahan is an excellent ophthalmologist who really listens to any symptoms I may be experiencing, always conducts a thorough in-depth eye exam,
Mark
Preparing for Cataract Surgery
Medications and Health Considerations
Sharing a complete and accurate medication list with our team before surgery is one of the most important steps you can take. Certain medications and health conditions require specific planning to help keep your surgery as safe and smooth as possible.
Bring a full list of everything you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medications that affect bleeding may need to be temporarily paused, while others, including many blood thinners such as aspirin, are typically continued through cataract surgery due to the small-incision nature of the procedure. Our team works alongside your other doctors to decide the right approach for your situation.
If you take an alpha-blocker medication, such as tamsulosin, which is commonly prescribed for an enlarged prostate, it is essential to let us know. These drugs can cause a condition called intraoperative floppy iris syndrome, where the iris (the colored part of your eye) behaves differently during surgery. Knowing about this in advance allows your cataract surgeon to take the right precautions. In most cases, patients do not need to stop taking these medications before surgery.
If you have diabetes, optimizing your blood sugar control in the weeks before surgery supports better healing and reduces the risk of complications afterward. If you have a recent hemoglobin A1c result, bring it to your pre-surgical visit. Our team evaluates your overall health picture and does not base surgical planning on a single lab value alone.
Conditions such as heart disease or lung conditions may require some additional coordination before surgery. Our team will communicate with your specialists when needed. The brief, outpatient nature of cataract surgery makes it well-tolerated by a wide range of patients, including many who live with chronic health conditions.
Pre-Operative Eye Drops
In the days before surgery, your cataract surgeon will prescribe antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops. These drops prepare your eye for surgery by reducing the risk of post-operative infection and inflammation, so following the schedule precisely matters.
Most pre-operative drops begin one to three days before your surgery date, depending on the specific medications prescribed. Use them exactly on the schedule our team provides. Skipping doses or changing the timing can reduce their protective effect.
To apply the drops correctly, wash your hands first. Tilt your head back, look up, and gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Squeeze one drop into that pocket and then close your eye gently for about one minute. If you are using more than one type of drop, wait at least five minutes between each one.
Store your drops at room temperature unless the label specifies otherwise, and keep the cap tightly closed between uses. Never touch the bottle tip to your eye, eyelid, or fingers, as this can contaminate the solution. Use a fresh, sterile bottle for your surgery preparation rather than a leftover bottle from a previous prescription.
Mild stinging right after a drop is common and fades within seconds. A brief bitter taste in the throat can also occur if the drop drains through the tear duct, which is normal. However, if you notice significant redness, itching, or swelling after using a drop, contact our office. An alternative medication can usually be prescribed if a reaction develops.
The Day Before Surgery
The day before your procedure is about keeping things calm and simple. A few specific steps will help ensure you are ready for a smooth surgery experience the following morning.
You will be asked to stop eating solid food for at least six hours before your surgery. This is a standard safety requirement related to the sedation used during the procedure. Clear liquids such as water are generally allowed up to two hours before your arrival time. Our team will give you the exact fasting instructions at your pre-operative visit, and following them closely is important.
Most of your regular daily medications can and should be taken as usual. Some may need to be paused or adjusted, and our team will give you a clear list specifying which ones to take and which to hold. If you need to take a morning medication before arriving, a small sip of water is acceptable. Bring your full medication list to the surgery center as well.
Do not apply eye makeup, facial lotions, creams, or perfumes on surgery day. These products can interfere with the sterile environment required around your eye during the procedure. A clean face with no products applied is what we ask for. This small step helps protect against infection and supports the surgical team during setup.
A good night of sleep before surgery supports a calmer experience the next day. Avoid alcohol the night before, as it can interfere with sedation medications. It is completely normal to feel some nervous tension before surgery, and our team is here to reassure you and answer any last-minute questions when you arrive.
Surgery Day Planning
Having a clear plan for surgery day reduces stress and helps everything go smoothly. A few practical arrangements made in advance go a long way toward a comfortable experience.
You will not be able to drive yourself home after cataract surgery. Sedation and dilating drops affect your vision and alertness, even if you feel relatively alert afterward. Arrange for a trusted friend, family member, or rideshare service to pick you up. Planning this before surgery day avoids any last-minute complications.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing and avoid tight collars or pullover styles that require pulling fabric over your face. A button-up shirt is a practical choice. Bring a photo ID, your insurance card, and your medication list. Pack a pair of sunglasses, as your eye will be dilated and sensitive to light on the way home. Leave valuables and jewelry at home.
After check-in, you will change into a gown and settle into a pre-operative area. The team will place numbing drops and dilating drops in your eye, and a mild sedative may be given through an IV line to help you feel relaxed and comfortable. The surgery itself typically takes around fifteen to thirty minutes, though your total time at the surgery center from arrival through discharge is generally two to three hours.
Before you leave, the team will place a clear protective shield over your eye and provide written discharge instructions covering your drop schedule, activity guidelines, and follow-up appointment. Plan to rest at home for the remainder of the day. Light daily activities are usually fine by the next morning, though you should follow all specific guidance from our team regarding activity and eye care.
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers address common concerns patients have as they get closer to their surgery date.
For most healthy patients, routine pre-operative medical clearance is not required. If you have a managed chronic condition such as diabetes or a heart condition, we may recommend a brief check-in with your primary care doctor to confirm your readiness. Our team will let you know specifically whether this step applies to you based on your health history.
In most cases, yes. Blood pressure medications and many other daily drugs are continued right through surgery day and taken with a small sip of water on the morning of the procedure. The important thing is to follow the specific instructions our team gives you, since a small number of medications may need to be handled differently. Never stop a prescribed medication on your own without guidance from your care team.
Disclosing these medications before surgery is essential, but you do not automatically need to stop taking them. When your cataract surgeon knows about alpha-blocker use in advance, specific techniques and tools can be used during surgery to manage the way the iris may respond. This preparation allows the procedure to proceed safely.
Yes, pre-operative anxiety is very common and completely understandable. Bringing your questions to the pre-operative visit helps you feel more in control and informed. On surgery day, our team takes time to explain each step as it happens. A mild sedative is also available during the procedure to help you feel at ease throughout.
If you miss a dose or are unsure whether a drop was properly administered, contact our office rather than doubling up on your own. Our team can advise you on whether any adjustment is needed. The most important thing is to avoid contaminating the drop bottle and to follow the prescribed schedule as closely as possible throughout your preparation period.
Many patients notice meaningful improvement within the first day or two, though full visual clarity often develops over the following weeks as the eye heals and adjusts to the new lens. The exact timeline varies based on the type of lens placed, the condition of the eye before surgery, and how consistently post-operative drops are used. Your follow-up appointments give us the opportunity to monitor your healing and address any concerns along the way.
Schedule Your Cataract Surgery Consultation
NewView Eye Center has been helping patients through every step of the cataract surgery process for more than two decades, with a commitment to personalized, expert care at every stage. Our cataract surgeons combine advanced technology, including the LENSAR femtosecond laser system and a full range of premium lens options, with the kind of attentive guidance that puts patients at ease. If you are in Northern Virginia and are ready to take the next step toward clearer vision, we welcome you to schedule a comprehensive consultation with our team.
What our Patients Says
Explore More
Find more information about our doctors, services, and technology that keep your eyes healthy and your vision at its best.