Antibiotic and anti-inflammation drops are used by most patients beginning several days prior to surgery. Drops are typically taken four times each day. Eye make-up (particularly eyeliner and mascara) should be stopped when the eye drops are started.
This varies among patients. You will receive written instructions on the day of surgery regarding your specific program.
Generally, aspirin does not need to be stopped prior to surgery. If you are asked to stop aspirin, this should be done 10 days prior to surgery.
If aspirin is stopped preoperatively, it can generally be resumed the day after surgery. Please confirm with the doctor on your first post-operative visit.
Coumadin does not generally need to be stopped prior to cataract surgery, but may be stopped prior to certain other surgeries. Check with Dr. Shingleton's staff for recommendations regarding your particular situation. Your medical doctor should determine the date to stop Coumadin if cessation is required. Your Coumadin effect on blood thinning will be checked at our surgical center on the day of surgery to be sure it is in an acceptable range for eye surgery.
If Coumadin is stopped preoperatively, it can often be resumed the day following surgery. Please confirm with the doctor on your first post-operative visit.
Continue all eye medications up until the day before your surgery. Do not use eye medications in the eye to be operated on the day of surgery. Glaucoma patients undergoing cataract surgery who are on pilocarpine will be asked to stop this medication approximately 7 days before surgery. Eye drops for the fellow eye should be continued as usual.
Use of most medications can be continued preoperatively.
Take all your usual systemic medications the morning of surgery with a sip of water. Your medical doctor should direct insulin dosage.
