Preparing for Eye Surgery: Your UK Pre-Op Checklist

How do I prepare for eye surgery? Start 2 to 4 weeks ahead: confirm your medicines and tell us about any blood thinners, arrange a lift home and help for the first day, stop contact lenses if asked, and follow any fasting instructions. On the day, arrive with a clean face, no eye make-up, and your medication list.

Fast answer: why preparation matters

Most private eye procedures are planned, day-case operations under local anaesthetic, so preparation is mainly about reducing avoidable risk and making your recovery comfortable. Three things make the biggest difference: getting your medication right (especially blood thinners and diabetes medicines), arranging transport and support for the day, and following any fasting or contact-lens instructions you are given. Do these well and the day itself is calm and straightforward.

Your preparation is confirmed at a pre-operative assessment, where we review your eyes, take the measurements needed (such as biometry for cataract lens planning), check your general health and explain exactly what will happen. Instructions can differ depending on your procedure and whether you are having local anaesthetic, sedation or, less commonly, general anaesthetic — so always follow the personalised plan from your surgeon and pre-op team over any general guide.

Your preparation checklist, stage by stage

2–4 weeks before

Confirm your full medical history and medication list, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements. Tell us early about any blood thinners, diabetes medicines or eye conditions. Book time off work and arrange help at home for at least the first 24 hours. If you wear contact lenses, ask whether and when to stop them before your measurements.

7–14 days before

Tell us straight away if you develop a cold, chest infection, eye infection, stye, conjunctivitis or new eyelid swelling — we may advise a quick review before proceeding to keep surgery safe. Make sure you have collected any prescribed pre-operative drops and know when to start them.

48–72 hours before

Confirm your transport: if you are having sedation you will need a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you. Check your post-operative drop instructions and have the bottles ready. Avoid alcohol if you have been advised to, especially where sedation is planned.

On the day

Wear comfortable, loose clothing and flat shoes, and bring layers as clinics can feel cool. Arrive with a clean face and no eye make-up, perfume or aftershave. Bring your medication list and any letters or scans, and follow any fasting guidance you have been given. Do not drive yourself home.

Medicines, eye drops and supplements

Medication advice depends on your procedure, your health and your anaesthetic plan. Always bring an up-to-date list of everything you take — including inhalers, insulin, herbal products and vitamins — and never stop a prescribed medicine on your own without advice.

Item	Why it matters	What to do
Blood thinners (anticoagulants/antiplatelets)	Can increase bleeding or bruising risk, especially for eyelid surgery	Do not stop on your own; tell us early so we can advise with your prescriber
Diabetes medicines (tablets/insulin)	Fasting can affect dosing; stable glucose supports healing	Bring your usual plan and monitoring kit; we confirm what to take on the day
Eye drops (prescribed)	Reduce infection and inflammation and support comfort	Use exactly as directed; if unsure when to start, ask before surgery
Supplements/herbals (e.g. fish oil, ginkgo)	Some may affect bleeding or interact with medicines	Tell us what you take and the doses; we advise if anything should pause

Contact lenses: many measurements are more accurate when you have been out of contact lenses for a period — often a few days for soft lenses and longer for rigid gas-permeable lenses, because they temporarily reshape the cornea. Tell us which type you wear so we can advise on timing.

If you become unwell: let us know promptly about a cold, conjunctivitis, a stye, eyelid swelling, fever or a chest infection — it may be safer to review you before proceeding. And tell us about any allergies, including to medicines, latex, eye drops or adhesives, so we can choose suitable alternatives.

Have a question about blood thinners, diabetes or travel before surgery? Ask us early and we will give you a clear, personalised plan.

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On the day of surgery

Most patients are in the clinic for a few hours, depending on the procedure and whether sedation is used; you will be given specific timings in advance.

What to wear and bring

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and flat shoes; bring a layer as clinics can feel cool.
Your list of medicines and doses, plus any letters or scans.
Your glasses if you use them, and someone to escort you home if required.

What to avoid

Eye make-up and creams around the eyes — arrive with clean skin.
Perfume or aftershave if you have been advised against it.
Driving yourself home — your vision and reaction time may be affected.

Fasting: if you have been given fasting instructions for sedation or general anaesthetic, follow them carefully. If you are unsure, contact us before the day so we can confirm what applies to you. For local-anaesthetic-only surgery, you can usually eat and drink normally unless told otherwise.

Planning for the first 24 to 48 hours

The detail differs between cataract surgery and eyelid (oculoplastic) procedures, but the first two days are mainly about protecting the eye, following your drop or ointment plan, and avoiding activities that raise infection risk or strain. A little planning before surgery makes this easier:

Keep your drops and ointments together in one place, with clean tissues and hand sanitiser nearby.
Prepare easy meals and drinks, and arrange help with childcare or pets if needed.
Expect mild grittiness, watering and some blur; after eyelid surgery, some bruising and swelling is normal.
Know your red flags: severe pain or sudden vision loss needs urgent assessment.

Once you have had surgery, our aftercare and recovery guides take you through the days and weeks that follow.

Indicative costs

Private pricing is confirmed before you commit, and your pre-operative assessment and all routine aftercare are included in the all-inclusive surgical package — there is no separate charge for follow-up reviews, drops or your recovery plan. As an orientation, private cataract surgery starts from around £2,900 per eye for a monofocal lens, oculoplastic (eyelid) procedures from around £460, and glaucoma care from SLT laser at £950 per eye. For exact figures and finance options see:

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I prepare for eye surgery?

Start around 2 to 4 weeks ahead. Use that time to confirm your medicines and tell us about any blood thinners or diabetes medicines, book time off work, and arrange help at home for the first day. In the final week, report any cold or eye infection, collect any pre-operative drops, and confirm your transport and escort. On the day, arrive with a clean face and your medication list.

Should I stop my blood thinners before eye surgery?

Never stop a blood thinner on your own. Whether anticoagulants or antiplatelets need adjusting depends on the procedure — cataract surgery is often safe to continue them, while eyelid surgery may need a plan because of bleeding risk. Tell us early which ones you take so we can advise, liaising with the doctor who prescribes them if needed, and give you clear instructions before the day.

Can I eat and drink before my eye operation?

It depends on your anaesthetic. For local-anaesthetic-only surgery, which covers most cataract and many eyelid procedures, you can usually eat and drink normally. If you are having sedation or general anaesthetic, you will be given fasting instructions to follow carefully. If you have not received clear guidance about eating and drinking, contact us before the day so we can confirm what applies to you.

Will I need someone to take me home?

Often yes — especially if sedation is used. Even with local anaesthetic only, you should not drive yourself home because your vision and reaction time can be affected by the procedure and any dilating drops. Arrange transport in advance, and a responsible adult to stay with you for the first 24 hours if you are having sedation. Ask us if you are unsure of the escort requirements for your procedure.

Do I need to stop wearing contact lenses before surgery?

You may be asked to stop for a period before your measurements or surgery, because contact lenses temporarily change the shape of the cornea and can affect the accuracy of biometry used to choose your lens. The timing depends on the type you wear — often a few days for soft lenses and longer for rigid gas-permeable lenses. Tell us which type you use so we can give you precise advice.

What should I bring on the day?

Bring an up-to-date list of your medicines and doses, any relevant letters or scans, your glasses if you use them, and a layer of clothing as clinics can feel cool. Wear comfortable, loose clothing and flat shoes. Arrive with clean skin and no eye make-up, and arrange someone to escort you home if required. Leave valuables and jewellery at home where possible.

Can I wear make-up or perfume to my surgery?

No. Arrive with clean skin and no eye make-up, mascara or eyeliner, as products around the eyes can increase infection risk and interfere with the procedure. Avoid perfume and aftershave if you have been advised to. You can usually resume eye make-up a couple of weeks after surgery, using fresh products, once your clinician confirms it is safe.

What if I feel anxious about the surgery?

This is very common and we are used to it. We can talk through exactly what you will see and feel on the day, how pain is controlled, and whether light sedation is suitable to help you relax. It helps to write down your questions beforehand and bring them to your pre-operative appointment. Most patients are surprised by how calm and quick the procedure turns out to be.

Can I fly soon after eye surgery?

It depends on the procedure and your recovery. Air travel is generally safe from around 24 hours after routine cataract or lens surgery, but flying is restricted if gas was placed in the eye during retinal surgery, and you should attend your follow-up appointments. If you have travel booked, tell us in advance so we can advise on timing and arrange any follow-up around it.

What if I develop a cold or eye infection before surgery?

Tell us as soon as possible if you develop a cold, chest infection, conjunctivitis, a stye, eyelid swelling or a fever in the days before surgery. It may be safer to review you, and occasionally to postpone, to reduce the risk of complications and infection. Rescheduling for a short illness is common and sensible — it protects your eye and your result.

When should I seek urgent help before surgery?

Seek urgent medical attention if, before your operation, you develop sudden significant vision loss, a shadow or curtain across your sight, a sudden shower of new floaters or flashing lights, or severe eye pain — these need same-day assessment regardless of your planned surgery. Use our urgent advice line if you are under our care, or in an emergency call 999 or attend your nearest eye casualty.

Editorial information · reviewed 30 May 2026 by the Eye Surgery Clinic consultant team. This guidance supports but does not replace the personalised instructions from your surgeon and pre-op team.

Preparing for eye surgery: your pre-op checklist