Skip to main content
Understanding surgery prep

Simple prep, smoother surgery.

A little preparation on the days before surgery makes everything go faster and safer. Here's your checklist. Bring it with you.

SURGERY PREP
Countdown to surgery day 1 weekconfirm · prep Night beforefast · sleep Morningno makeup Surgery Small steps prevent big delays
What's happening

Why prep matters.

Eye surgery is typically quick (most procedures under 30 minutes), but successful outcomes depend on small preparation details. Proper fasting prevents anesthesia complications. Medication management prevents bleeding. And bringing the right paperwork prevents same-day cancellations.

We'll also confirm which eye is being operated on and which lens or plan was chosen — the 'time out' you may have seen on TV is real and important. You'll be asked these things multiple times. That's the safety system working.

What helps

Here's the plan —
and why it works.

Week before

Confirm + prep

Call us to confirm time and arrival instructions. Stop contacts if we instructed. Fill any prescription drops we sent. Arrange your ride and post-op help.

Night before

Prep + early bed

No food after midnight (unless told otherwise). Lay out clothes, ID, insurance. Get a good sleep — the surgery goes better when you're rested.

Morning of

Keep it simple

No makeup, perfume, or jewelry. Loose button-up clothing. Bring your list of meds. Arrive at the time given — not earlier; there's no waiting area before registration.

At the center

Expect the time-out

Staff will ask your name, date of birth, and which eye several times. That's intentional — a safety check. Confirm each time clearly.

Call us before surgery if

You develop any eye redness, discharge, infection, or significant illness (fever, flu, COVID) within 3 days of surgery. Also call if you forget to stop a medication we asked you to stop. Surgery can be rescheduled — complications are worse than delays.

Common questions

Honest answers to common questions.

Can I eat before surgery?+

Depends on anesthesia. For topical-only (cataract, LASIK): usually light meal is fine. For sedation or general: NOTHING after midnight — no food, no water, no gum. Your surgical coordinator will give you specific instructions.

Which medications do I stop before surgery?+

Blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin, Plavix, Eliquis) — CHECK WITH YOUR PRESCRIBING DOCTOR first. We coordinate this carefully. Do not stop on your own. Some heart and stroke patients must stay on them; we'll plan around it.

Should I keep taking my eye drops?+

Usually yes, right up to surgery morning — especially glaucoma drops. We'll give you specific stop-dates for any new prep drops. When in doubt, ask.

What should I wear?+

Loose, comfortable clothes with a button-front or zip top (no pullovers near the face). Flat shoes. No makeup, perfume, or lotion. No jewelry. Leave valuables at home.

Can I drive myself home?+

No. Even for minor sedation, you need a driver. They should plan to stay the whole time (usually 2-3 hours) or be able to pick up within 30 minutes of our call. No Uber/Lyft alone.

What should I bring?+

Photo ID. Insurance card. List of current medications. Loose sunglasses (for after). Your completed paperwork. A driver or companion. Leave phone charged if you want to text updates.

Can I take my regular morning meds?+

Usually yes, with a tiny sip of water, even when fasting. Blood pressure meds, heart meds, and thyroid meds are usually fine. Diabetes meds are complicated — we'll give specific instructions. Don't take blood thinners unless cleared.