If you're preparing for cataract surgery, you may be wondering if you should take your medication before the procedure. The answer is yes, with a few exceptions. Most eye surgeons recommend that their patients start taking eye drops a few days before cataract surgery for a variety of reasons. Antibiotic eye drops can help reduce the risk of infection, anti-inflammatory and steroid drops can speed up the healing process, and beginning your medications before surgery gives you time to address any potential drug-related issues. However, if you can't start taking your medicines before surgery, don't worry.
Cataract surgery is likely to give you great results even if you start giving the drops that same day. It's also important to provide your doctor with a comprehensive list of all current and former drugs used by the patient to avoid any intraoperative or postoperative surgical complications. On the day of your cataract surgery, plan to arrive at the surgery center at the time indicated by the surgery scheduler. If you have a cataract in your other eye, performing that surgery in a few weeks can start the recovery process faster and help you achieve the same vision in both eyes. If this is your first cataract surgery and you have nearsightedness or farsightedness, you may still need glasses to sharpen the vision in the other eye. Cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure that can help restore your vision.
Taking your medication before the procedure can help ensure that it goes smoothly and that you get the best possible results. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have about taking medication before cataract surgery.
