Last Updated on April 9, 2026 by Admin
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How to Prepare for Cataract Surgery
How to Prepare for Cataract Surgery: A Complete Checklist
By Dr. Dhwani Maheshwari | Cataract & Refractive Surgeon, Krisha Eye Hospital | April 9, 2026 | 9 min read
If you have been told you need cataract surgery, the good news is that it is a straightforward procedure with an excellent track record. How smoothly it goes, and how quickly you recover, depends a lot on what you do beforehand. This checklist by Dr. Dhwani Maheshwari at Krisha Eye Hospital, Ahmedabad, walks you through everything from a month out to the morning of surgery.
What is Cataract Surgery?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, located behind the iris and pupil. When the lens becomes cloudy, light cannot pass through clearly, causing blurry, hazy, or dim vision.
Cataract surgery is the process of removing this cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens called an Intraocular Lens (IOL). At Krisha Eye Hospital, Dr. Dhwani Maheshwari performs phacoemulsification cataract surgery, a modern stitch-free technique that takes just 15–20 minutes per eye with a rapid recovery.
When is Cataract Surgery Needed?
Surgery is usually advised when your vision has dropped to the point where everyday tasks are affected. Your surgeon will look for:
- Your vision is significantly blurry even with glasses
- You struggle with night driving due to glare or halos
- Cataracts are affecting your work or quality of life
- Your vision cannot be improved with glasses or contact lenses
Important: Do not wait until you are completely blind before seeking treatment. Early surgery generally leads to better outcomes and faster recovery.
2–4 Weeks Before Surgery
Getting these done early makes everything else much easier. Do not leave them to the last minute.
Complete Pre-Surgery Eye Tests
Your doctor will measure your eye’s axial length and corneal curvature (biometry) to calculate the correct IOL power. Attend all pre-op appointments.
Share Your Full Medical History
Inform your surgeon about all conditions: diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, kidney problems, or any past eye surgeries.
Disclose All Medications
List every medicine you take — prescription, OTC, and supplements. Blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel) may need to be paused 5–7 days before surgery.
Stop Contact Lenses
Soft lenses: stop 1 week before. Rigid/gas-permeable lenses: stop 2–4 weeks before. Lenses change the cornea shape and affect IOL calculations.
Control Blood Sugar (for Diabetics)
Target HbA1c below 7.5% and fasting blood glucose below 140 mg/dL. Poorly controlled sugar increases infection risk and slows healing.
Arrange a Companion for Surgery Day
You cannot drive home after surgery. Arrange a responsible adult — family member or trusted friend — to accompany you and assist for 24 hours post-surgery.
1 Week Before Surgery
Start Prescribed Eye Drops
Your doctor will prescribe antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to start 3–5 days before surgery. Use them exactly as instructed — these prevent infection.
Avoid Eye Makeup & Creams
Stop using eye makeup, face cream near eyes, and eye drops that weren’t prescribed. These can carry bacteria into the eye during surgery.
Prepare Your Recovery Space at Home
Stock up on prescribed medicines, sunglasses (for light sensitivity), and a supply of clean gauze. Clear walkways at home to avoid accidental falls.
No Smoking or Alcohol
Avoid smoking (reduces blood oxygen and slows healing) and alcohol (interacts with anaesthesia and medications) for at least 1 week before surgery.
The Night Before Surgery
- Eat a light meal before midnight — then nothing to eat after midnight
- Plain water is okay up to 2 hours before your surgery time
- Wash your hair — you cannot wash it for 2–3 days after surgery
- Apply prescribed eye drops (if instructed for night before)
- Lay out your clothes, documents, and medicines for the next day
- Get a good night’s sleep — rest reduces anxiety and helps anaesthesia work better
Surgery Day: Step by Step
| Time | What Happens | What You Need to Do |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 hrs before | Arrive at hospital | Bring ID, reports, medicines, dark glasses, companion |
| On arrival | Registration & pre-op prep | No makeup, remove jewellery, wear loose clothes |
| 30 min before | Pupil dilation eye drops | Relax — vision will be blurry temporarily |
| 15–20 min | Surgery (per eye) | Stay still, follow surgeon’s instructions, breathe normally |
| 1–2 hrs after | Recovery & discharge | Go home with companion, rest the eye, use eye shield |
Dos and Don’ts Before Cataract Surgery
DO
- Attend all pre-op appointments
- Follow fasting instructions strictly
- Use prescribed eye drops on time
- Arrange transport and a companion
- Inform doctor of all medications
- Get a full blood work done if asked
- Bring all original medical reports
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing
DON’T
- Eat or drink after midnight before surgery
- Wear makeup, perfume, or nail polish
- Wear contact lenses on surgery day
- Drive yourself to or from the hospital
- Take blood thinners without doctor approval
- Smoke or drink alcohol the week before
- Rub or press your eyes
- Self-medicate with eye drops not prescribed
What to Expect During Recovery
Most people are surprised by how quickly their vision improves. Many notice a real difference by the next morning. Here is roughly what to expect:
| Timeframe | What You May Experience | What’s Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Mild blurring, light sensitivity, watery eyes | Rest, use eye shield while sleeping |
| Days 2–7 | Improving vision, some redness | Light walking, TV, reading with care |
| Week 2–4 | Clearer vision, colours more vibrant | Return to work (desk jobs), gentle walks |
| 1–3 Months | Full stabilisation of vision | All normal activities, new glasses if needed |
Call your doctor immediately if you experience: sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, increasing redness, or flashing lights after surgery.
Dr. Dhwani Maheshwari
Cataract & Refractive Surgeon | Krisha Eye Hospital, Ahmedabad
Dr. Dhwani Maheshwari, an esteemed ophthalmologist with over 10 years of experience, leads Krisha Eye Hospital in Ahmedabad with a commitment to advanced, patient-centered eye care. Specializing in cataract and refractive surgery, Dr. Maheshwari has performed more than a thousand successful surgeries. Her expertise lies in phacoemulsification, a technique recognized for its precision in cataract treatment.
Dr. Maheshwari’s educational journey includes an MBBS from Smt. NHL MMC, a DOMS from M & J Institute of Ophthalmology, and a DNB in Ophthalmology from Mahatme Eye Bank Eye Hospital, Nagpur. She also completed a fellowship in phacoemulsification at Porecha Blindness Trust Hospital, further enhancing her surgical skills. In addition to her work at Krisha Eye Hospital, Dr. Maheshwari serves as a consultant ophthalmologist at Northstar Diagnostic Centre.
Under her leadership, Krisha Eye Hospital aims to bring all super specialties under one roof, offering comprehensive eye care solutions for all vision needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually around 5–7 days before surgery, but this depends on your specific situation. Your surgeon will give you clear instructions. Do not stop blood thinners on your own without checking with your doctor first.
Nothing to eat for at least 6 hours before surgery. Plain water is fine up to 2 hours before your scheduled time. If you have eaten on the day of surgery, let the team know straightaway, as your procedure may need to be rescheduled.
Bring a family member or a trusted friend who can take you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours. The anaesthetic drops will blur your vision for several hours, so driving yourself is not safe.
No. Stop wearing soft contact lenses at least 1 week before and rigid gas-permeable lenses at least 2–4 weeks before. Contact lenses change the shape of your cornea and affect the accuracy of IOL power calculations.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Avoid makeup, perfume, nail polish, hair spray, and jewellery. Bring dark sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light after surgery. Leave valuables at home.
You can get back to light activities within 24–48 hours, and most desk jobs within a week. Avoid swimming, heavy lifting, bending, and touching your eyes for at least 4 weeks. Your surgeon will give you personalised advice at your follow-up appointment.
Yes, cataract surgery is safe for most diabetic patients as long as blood sugar is well-controlled beforehand. Make sure your surgeon knows all your diabetes medications. If your levels are too high, the procedure may be delayed until they stabilise, which is for your own safety.
Ready to Restore Your Clear Vision?
Book your cataract consultation with Dr. Dhwani Maheshwari at Krisha Eye Hospital, Ahmedabad.
We’ll guide you through every step of preparation and recovery.
2nd Floor, Shaligram Lakeview Commercial, near Vaishnodevi Circle, Ahmedabad 382421
+91 75677 67701
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Concerned about your vision? Our specialists at Krisha Eye Hospital, Ahmedabad are here to help.
Krisha Eye Hospital — Near Vaishnodevi Circle, Ahmedabad
📞 Call Now 💬 WhatsApp Us