As you age, your eyes begin to change, and your chances for developing an ocular disease increase. One of these diseases is the formation of cataracts on the lens of your eye, which causes foggy, blurred, or discolored vision, and it’s characterized by noticeable cloudiness of your eye. The treatment for cataracts is cataract surgery, which is usually performed by an ophthalmologist. If you’re having surgery done to remove your cataracts, here’s how to prepare for it.

Prep Your Body

Around five to seven days before your cataract surgery, you should have a visit with your eye doctor or ophthalmologist to run routine tests on your eyes, making sure they’re ready for surgery and the proper lens will be used. While you’re there, your eye doctor may also give you medicine to take the night before your surgery. If they do, don’t forget to take it.

On the day of the surgery, wake up early enough that you have time to get ready. You’ll need to take a shower that morning and wash your hair to ensure the area around your eye is clean for the procedure. Don’t wear any eye makeup or accessories to your appointment, as they could get in your eye, contaminate the sterilized field, or be in the way of your surgeon. Make sure you wear comfortable clothing.

Limit Your Eating & Drinking

To ensure the anesthesia is effective and doesn’t interact with anything in your body, your doctor will likely ask you to watch what you eat or drink in the days leading up to your surgery. You should refrain from drinking alcohol for a full 24 hours before your procedure. Your specialist may also ask you to eat lightly the night before and eat nothing the day of your surgery.

Plan for Recovery

Since this procedure uses anesthesia, you can’t drive yourself home afterward, so you’ll need to make travel arrangements. You may also need assistance around the house for two to three days after the surgery, as your vision won’t be perfect. You should also not drive for the same reason. It takes a couple days to recover from cataract surgery, so make sure you have the appropriate amount of time off work to allow yourself to heal.

In Columbia, MD, you’ll receive precision cataract surgery from the leading experts at Medical Eye Center. Beyond just a normal eye doctor office, their ophthalmologist team consists of ocular specialists who are experienced, kind, and skilled. From glaucoma management to standard ocular services, they’re qualified to care for your eyes with expertise and compassion. They also offer skin care and cosmetic services, such as dermal fillers and Botox injections, so you can leave their office seeing better, looking better, and feeling better. View their services online or call them at (410) 997-9900 for an appointment.