Procedure prep
Fasting Before Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is usually quick and done with eye-numbing drops — but fasting rules still vary by center, so check yours.
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Saurabh Shukla, MBBS, DNB Anesthesiology
· Last updated June 2026
Fasting for this procedure
Most cataract surgery uses local (eye-drop) anesthesia, sometimes with light sedation. Because of the sedation possibility, many centers still ask you to follow standard fasting — solids about 6–8 hours before and clear liquids about 2 hours before your hospital arrival time. Some centers allow a light meal. Follow your specific center's instructions.
→ Get your exact fasting times with the calculator
Medicines to check
- Blood thinners (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto) — see medications to stop.
- Diabetes medicines & insulin — they need a plan. See diabetes tablets.
- GLP-1 (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro) — tell your team. See the GLP-1 guide.
- Blood pressure medicines — confirm which to take with a sip of water and which to hold.
- Most eye drops are continued — confirm with your team.
- Blood thinners are often continued for cataract surgery (low bleeding risk) — but confirm.
When this surgery may be delayed
- Fever, a new cough/cold, or a chest infection
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Very high blood pressure or blood sugar
- You ate or drank outside your fasting window
- An active eye infection
Reports & documents to carry
- Photo ID and insurance card
- A written list of all your medicines and doses
- Any blood tests, ECG, or scans your team asked for
- Consent forms or referral letters, and allergy details
- Someone to drive you home
What to ask your anesthesia team
- Do I need to fast, and for how long?
- Will I have just eye drops, or sedation as well?
- Should I continue my blood thinners and eye drops?
- Which other medicines do I take that morning?
Your prep checklist
Tick things off as you sort them — saved on this device only, nothing is sent anywhere.
A general guide — your hospital's own instructions always come first.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before cataract surgery?
It depends on your center. Cataract surgery is usually done under local anesthesia, but because light sedation may be used, many centers ask you to fast as a precaution. Some allow a light meal. Follow your center's instructions.
Can I take my blood thinners before cataract surgery?
Often yes — cataract surgery has a low bleeding risk, so blood thinners are frequently continued. Always confirm with your surgeon.