Once you and your ECP have determined that you are a good candidate for cataract surgery, you will receive instructions on how to prepare for the procedure.5 Your ECP’s instructions may include the following:

• Take at least two days off work for the procedure and one day to recover before resuming a regular work schedule.
• The entire process from check-in to check-out should last approximately three hours. You may also need driving assistance the following day to pick up post-operative medications and to make a follow-up exam.
• Eat only a light breakfast or skip eating before the procedure, depending on your ECP’s advice. As a general rule, patients are asked to refrain from alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours prior to surgery.
• Shower and wash hair on the day of the surgery to help maintain a clean surgical environment. Patients should also wear clean, comfortable clothes, and avoid wearing eye make-up.