What not to do before cataract surgery

So you're getting ready for cataract surgery. It's a big deal, honestly, and the prep matters more than you'd think. Your surgeon will give you a list of dos and don'ts, but people mess up the same things over and over. These mistakes can lead to infections, complications, or just a worse outcome. Here's the real talk on what to avoid in those final days and hours.

Can I eat or drink before cataract surgery?

This question comes up constantly. The answer's pretty simple: don't eat or drink anything after midnight the night before. I mean nothing — not water, not coffee, not even a piece of hard candy. Gum's out too. Why? Because cataract surgery uses sedation, and if there's stuff in your stomach, you could aspirate it into your lungs. That's a life-threatening situation nobody wants. So yeah, empty stomach is non-negotiable.

Now, if you take daily meds, ask your surgeon if you can have a tiny sip of water to swallow them. Don't just assume a light breakfast is okay. It's not.

Should I stop taking my regular medications before cataract surgery?

Here's where people get themselves into trouble. Do NOT stop or change any medication unless your surgical team tells you to. Blood thinners are the big one — warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, clopidogrel. Some surgeons want you off them for a few days, others have tricks to manage bleeding while you stay on. This isn't a decision you make alone. Ever.

Here's a quick cheat sheet for common stuff:

Can I wear makeup, lotion, or perfume on the day of surgery?

Nope. Just don't. No mascara, no eyeliner, no eyeshadow. Same goes for face lotions, moisturizers, perfumes, hair products — all of it. These things carry bacteria that can cause a nasty infection called endophthalmitis. Even tiny makeup particles can get into your eye during surgery. Your face and eye area need to be spotless. They'll give you a special antibacterial scrub to use before you come in. Use it.

Should I drive myself to and from surgery?

Absolutely not. You're getting sedation, which messes with your judgment and reflexes for hours. Even if you feel totally awake, trust me, you're not normal. You need a responsible adult to drive you home. If you show up without a driver, they'll probably cancel the surgery. And don't think you can take a bus or Uber alone — you need someone to stick with you for at least 24 hours after.

What about alcohol, smoking, or cannabis before surgery?

Stay away from all of it for at least 24 to 48 hours before. Longer is better. Alcohol messes with sedation meds and dehydrates you. Smoking and vaping constrict your blood vessels, which slows healing and makes infection more likely. Cannabis? It interacts weirdly with anesthesia and can spike your anxiety or heart rate. Your surgeon wants you in top shape. Don't make this harder than it needs to be.

Should I exercise or do heavy lifting before surgery?

Skip the gym. No heavy lifting, no strenuous anything that pumps up your blood pressure the day before or morning of surgery. High blood pressure can cause bleeding inside your eye during the procedure. Just take it easy — light walking is fine. Also, avoid bending over or lifting anything over 10 or 15 pounds in the days leading up. You don't want any strain messing with your eye pressure.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)