How to Prepare for Eye Surgery

Proper preparation for eye surgery helps minimize the risk of complications and speeds up recovery. Whether it's cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, or another surgical procedure, your ophthalmology surgeon will provide personalized guidance during the consultation. This article covers general preparation principles.

First, you will need a comprehensive eye examination, which includes:

• Visual acuity and refraction assessment
• Intraocular pressure measurement
• Biomicroscopy (slit-lamp examination)
• Ophthalmoscopy (fundus examination)
• Keratometry and ocular biometry (for IOL selection in cataract surgery)
• OCT (as indicated)

Before any eye surgery, a standard set of tests is required:

• Complete blood count with differential
• Blood glucose test
• Urinalysis
• RW (syphilis serology)
• HBs Ag (hepatitis B test)
• HCV Ag (hepatitis C test)
• ECG
• Dental consultation
• Consultation with a general practitioner or anaesthesiologist (if required)

• A light breakfast before surgery is allowed (exceptions are discussed individually)
• Avoid alcohol 48–72 hours before surgery
• Continue taking your prescribed systemic medications (unless your surgeon advises otherwise)
• Stop wearing contact lenses 1–2 weeks before surgery (if applicable)
• Shower and wash your hair on the morning of the surgery day
• Do not apply makeup to your face or around the eyes
• Bring all test results, any regularly taken medications, and eye drops

For cataract surgery, anesthetic eye drops will be applied and your pupil will be dilated. The procedure is painless under local anesthesia and takes approximately 15–20 minutes. After surgery, a patch or protective shield will be placed over the operated eye and you will be monitored for 1–2 hours. It is recommended to travel home with a companion — driving is not allowed on the day of surgery.

• Apply prescribed eye drops strictly according to the schedule
• Do not rub or press on the operated eye
• Avoid getting water, soap, or shampoo in the operated eye for 2 weeks
• Avoid lifting heavy objects (over 10 kg) or bending over for 4 weeks
• Visit your ophthalmologist the day after surgery and follow the scheduled check-up appointments

Ophthalmology surgeon Iryna Hetman at Kyiv City Clinical Hospital #4 provides detailed personalized guidance to every patient before surgery and ensures thorough follow-up at every stage of treatment. Book a consultation to learn more.

Article Author

Iryna Hetman

Ophthalmologist, Cataract Surgeon · Kyiv Hospital #4

• 200+ successful surgeries
• Member of ESCRS and USCRS