Cataract surgery is a widely performed, quick outpatient procedure that successfully restores vision by replacing a clouded natural lens with an artificial one. Proper preparation is important for a safe experience. Following the guidelines given by your surgical team, particularly those concerning eating and drinking, is necessary to minimize potential risks during the operation.
The Non-Negotiable Fasting Rule
The definitive answer to whether you must fast before cataract surgery is yes, a restriction on intake is required. This is a standard safety measure for nearly all surgical procedures that involve sedation or anesthesia. The fasting rule specifically restricts solid food intake, which typically means abstaining from eating anything after midnight the night before your scheduled procedure. Clear liquids, however, are often permitted closer to the surgery time. Clear liquids include water, black coffee, plain tea, and apple juice, but they must be consumed without milk, cream, or pulp. Following these instructions ensures that your stomach is appropriately empty before you enter the operating room.
The Medical Reason for Restriction
Fasting is mandatory because most cataract operations involve some form of sedation, even if it is only light intravenous (IV) sedation. Sedation is administered to help you relax and keep still during the procedure, but it temporarily suppresses the body’s natural protective reflexes, including the gag reflex. If there is food or a large volume of liquid in the stomach, the risk of pulmonary aspiration increases significantly. Pulmonary aspiration occurs when stomach contents are accidentally inhaled into the lungs, which can lead to serious complications such as aspiration pneumonia. Ensuring the stomach is empty minimizes this danger.
Detailed Pre-Operative Instructions
The specific timeline for fasting usually requires that you consume no solid food for at least six to eight hours before your scheduled check-in time. Clear liquids are generally allowed up to two hours before you need to arrive at the surgical center. Your surgeon’s office will provide the final, official instructions, which you must follow exactly, as these timelines can vary slightly based on the facility and the type of sedation planned.
Medications
You must discuss all your current medications with your surgical team well in advance of the procedure. While many routine medications for conditions like high blood pressure can be taken the morning of surgery with a tiny sip of water, blood thinners or diabetes medications may require temporary adjustment or cessation. Never stop or change a medication without explicit instruction from your physician.
Day-of-Surgery Logistics
Practical logistics are necessary for a smooth experience on the day of surgery. You must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home afterward, as the residual effects of sedation make driving unsafe. Patients are instructed to wear loose-fitting clothing, often a button-down shirt, and must not wear any makeup, jewelry, or perfumes to maintain a sterile surgical environment. Your surgical eye drops must be administered according to the specific schedule provided by your care team.