Key Pre-Operative Guidelines (Summary)

Fasting: 

• General anesthesia: No food or drink for 8 hours before surgery.
• Local with sedation: Nothing to eat or drink for 3 hours before surgery.
• Local only: No fasting required.

Transportation: 

• General anesthesia or sedation: Arrange a ride home and caregiver for 1–2 days.
• Local only: You may drive yourself home.

Medications: Stop aspirin, NSAIDs, blood-thinning supplements, and weight-loss medications as directed. Discuss other prescriptions with your surgeon.

Lifestyle: Stop or reduce nicotine 4 weeks before and after; reduce alcohol 2 weeks before and after.

Day of Surgery: Shower, avoid lotions/makeup, remove jewelry and piercings. Inform staff if you have metal hair extensions. Wear loose, front-opening clothing.

Suggested Supplies:

• Tylenol (acetaminophen)
• Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops
• Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
• Cold compress or gel eye mask

Key Post-Operative Guidelines (Summary)

Pain Management: Use Tylenol; narcotic pain medication and anti-nausea medication may be prescribed.

Antibiotics: Complete the full course; an antibiotic eye ointment may also be prescribed.

Activity: Avoid driving for 2 days; resume light walking after 2 days. Limit screen time, avoid strenuous activity for 3 weeks, and sleep on your back with head elevated for 1 week.

Incision Care: Do not rub eyes; protect scars from sun with a hat or sunglasses. Avoid makeup or lotions near eyes for 2 weeks.

Cold Therapy: Apply cool compresses for 10–15 minutes at a time, several times daily, for the first 48–72 hours.

What to Expect: Swelling and bruising peak at 2–3 days, then improve. Temporary numbness, firmness, itching, or blurred vision is common.