310.275.5533call or text

Eye Surgery Pre & Post Op Care

Discover essential steps for preparing for eye surgery and ensuring a smooth recovery. Follow these simple guidelines to maintain your eye health before and after the procedure.

Call NowMake an appointment

  • Pre-Surgery Instructions

  • Day of Surgery

  • What to Expect on Surgery Day

  • Post-Operative Care

Pre-Surgery Instructions

  • Medication Adjustments

    For GLP-1 Agonists: If you’re taking any of these medications—Trulicity (dulaglutide), Byetta (exenatide), Bydureon BCise (exenatide extended release), Victoza (liraglutide), Adlyxin (lixisenatide), Ozempic, Rybelsus (semaglutide), or Mounjaro (tirzepatide)—please stop taking them one week before your surgery to help avoid any complications with anesthesia.

Eye Drops: Starting two days before your surgery, apply one drop in the surgical eye three times a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

On the Day of Surgery: Do not use any eye drops and avoid taking your diabetes medications. You may take your blood pressure, heart condition, or thyroid medications with a small sip of water—just enough to swallow the pills.

  • Fasting Requirements

    Enjoy your dinner as usual. To prevent nausea and vomiting, please do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

  • Pre-Surgery Checklist

    What to Bring: Your ID, insurance card, and all current medications.

Day of Surgery

  • Arrival Time and Location

    Where to Go: Your Cataract surgery will be at the Specialty Surgical Center of Beverly Hills, located at 9001 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 100, Beverly Hills, CA 90211. Please arrive at the time confirmed by your surgery coordinator.

  • Transportation

    Getting Home: Arrange for an adult driver to take you home after the procedure. They should also be available for the next 24 hours, if needed.

  • Clothing

    Choose loose-fitting, short-sleeved clothing for your comfort.

What to Expect on Surgery Day

  • Procedure Overview

    Most refractive eye surgeries are performed with topical or local anesthesia and numbing eye drops. You may feel slight pressure during the procedure, but you shouldn’t experience any discomfort or pain.

  • Duration

    Expect to spend around 2 hours at the surgery center. This includes preparation, the surgery itself, and recovery in the clinic.

Post-Operative Care

Comprehensive Post-Operative Eye Care: Ensuring a Smooth Recovery

Proper post-operative care is essential for a quick and successful recovery following eye surgery. On this page, you’ll find videos and detailed instructions to guide you through the healing process, including follow-up visits, immediate care, and tips to protect your eyes. Be sure to follow these guidelines and contact us if you have any questions. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Immediate Post-Operative Care

  • Eye Protection: Keep your eye shield on the day of surgery. From the morning after, you can remove the shield during the day but wear it at night to avoid rubbing your eyes while sleeping. You should wear the shield while sleeping for 7 nights (14 nights if you sleep on your stomach).
  • Medication: You can resume all medications as usual. Continue applying the prescribed eye drops in the operative eye three times a day for one week. Then, taper off by reducing to two times a day for one week, and finally once daily for one week. You should finish the drops in three weeks unless instructed otherwise.EndFragment

What to Expect After Your Eye Surgery

  • Discomfort: You might experience some discomfort for a few days following your procedure. Tylenol can help with relief; if you’re allergic to Tylenol, use your usual headache medication.
  • Vision: Your vision may be slightly blurred for up to two to four weeks as your eyes recover.
  • Eye Appearance: Your eye may appear slightly red; this will gradually clear up in the first few days after the procedure. It’s also normal for your pupil (the black part of your eye) to be smaller than the pupil of your other eye. This will return to its normal size within two days after the procedure.EndFragment

Additional Post Operative Guidelines

  • Activity: You may resume light activities and use devices such as tablets, cellphones, or TV.
  • Eye care: Avoid rubbing your eye.
  • Hygiene: Do not shower or wash your hair for 3 days after the surgery. Also, refrain from coloring your hair for 1 week.
  • Sun Protection: Wear sunglasses when outdoors for the first 4 weeks to protect your eyes from wind and dust.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you throughout your recovery!

FAQ

Before Surgery

Will I need to use eye drops before the surgery?

Yes, you will need to use prescribed eye drops three times a day to prepare your eye.

When do I start the drops?

You will start the drops THREE days before your surgery.

How many times per day?

Use the eye drops three times a day: at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Do I use the drops the day of the procedure?

Do not use the drops before the surgery. The surgical team will use drops during and after the procedure. Resume using the drops in the evening after the surgery, and continue until instructed to stop.

Day of Surgery

When should I stop eating and drinking before surgery?Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery.

What if I have to take meds in the AM?

You may take essential medications (e.g., for blood pressure, heart condition, or thyroid) with tiny sips of water. Avoid any other medications, including diabetes medications, on the morning of surgery.

Should I bring my meds with me?

Yes, bring all medications you are currently taking.

What is the address of the Surgery Center? 

The Specialty Surgical Center of Beverly Hills is located at 9001 Wilshire Blvd, suite 100, Beverly Hills, CA 90211.

Will I need someone to drive me home?

Yes, you will need someone to drive you home after the surgery.

Can they drop me off and come back later?

Yes, they can drop you off and come back to pick you up after the surgery.

What should I wear?

Wear loose, comfortable clothing with short sleeves.

During Surgery

How long does cataract surgery take? The surgery typically takes about 15-20 minutes per eye. However, you will spend around 2 hours at the Surgery Center.

Is the surgery done in one room? Yes, the surgery is performed in one operating room.

Will I be asleep? You will be awake but given local anesthesia and sedation to ensure comfort.

After Surgery

Will I have an eye patch over my eye?

You will have a protective eye shield over your eye, which you should wear as instructed by your doctor.

How long will I be in recovery?

You will spend a short period of time in the recovery area, usually about 30 minutes to an hour.

Postoperative Care

What can I do for the rest of the day?

You can rest, watch TV, and eat as usual. Avoid strenuous activities.

Should I avoid rubbing my eye? For how long?

Yes, avoid rubbing your eye for at least six weeks after surgery.

Can I drive the next day?

You may drive the next day if your vision is clear enough.

When can I shower and wash my hair?

You can shower and wash your hair, but avoid getting soap or water in your eyes until cleared by your doctor.

Will I need pain meds on the day of the surgery or on subsequent days?

You may need over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol. Consult your doctor for specific recommendations.

When do I see you after the surgery?

Your first follow-up appointment is scheduled for the day after your surgery.

How long do I need to wear the eye shield?

Wear the eye shield all day on the first day and at night for at least 3 nights afterwards.

What can I expect, vision-wise, in the first few days after the surgery?

Your vision may be slightly blurred and your eye may appear red. These symptoms should improve within a few days.

What can I do/not do during the first two weeks after the surgery?

  • Avoid heavy lifting, bending over, and strenuous exercise.
  • Do not swim or use hot tubs.
  • Avoid rubbing your eye and wearing makeup.

How long will I need to use the eye drops after the surgery?

Continue using the prescribed eye drops after surgery until instructed to stop.

Should I wear sunglasses outside? For how long?

Yes, wear sunglasses outdoors for the first four weeks to protect your eyes from bright light and wind.

Can I remove the lens from my glasses and wear my glasses till the second surgery?

Yes, you can remove the lens from your glasses and wear them until your second surgery.

Additional Information

We have covered a lot of stuff. Is it all written down somewhere?

Yes, all instructions are provided in the “Premium Cataract Care Guide” that was emailed to you together with the consents that you signed.

For any further questions or concerns, please contact our office at310-275-5533.