Preparing for Eye Surgery

Medication Instructions

Continue using glaucoma eye drop, if currently prescribed.
Follow all instructions given to you by your surgeon for eye drops prior to surgery.
Bring all eye drops day of surgery.
Ask your doctor if you should change or quit taking medication(s) on or before surgery day.
Take approved medications – with a sip of water – the day of surgery as directed by your doctor.
Diabetics: If you have not received direction from your physician on insulin or oral diabetic medications for day of Surgery, call (319) 398-6211 (PASE) for assistance.

Complete the adult medical history form (PDF) you received from your surgeon's office and list of medications/over-the-counter vitamins/herbals and dosages.
Your physician will fill out your history and physical form.
Anesthesiologist consent will be signed on day of surgery.
Arrange for an adult to accompany you on the day of your surgery and plan to be here for approximately three hours total. The surgeon will speak to your family member after procedure. Your family member will drive you home and need to stay with you for 24 hours afterward to ensure your safety.

Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth, shower/bathe.
Remove makeup and nail polish.
Remove all metal jewelry, including wedding bands and piercings.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing and a button-up shirt.
Bring case for glasses/contact lenses. Bring sunglasses if you have them for use after surgery due to dilated, light-sensitive eye.
Leave valuables at home.
Arrive at Mercy’s Hiawatha Medical Park; take the elevator to the third floor.
Patient safety is our #1 goal. You may be asked the same repetitive questions by different staff members and physicians.

Please note that failure to follow these instructions can cause the surgery to be cancelled or postponed:

No solid food or milk products, shakes or formulas (such as protein drinks or other liquids that are not clear) after midnight the night before surgery.
Clear liquids only are permitted from midnight until three hours prior to scheduled surgery time. Examples of clear liquids include water, fruit juices without pulp, carbonated beverages, clear tea, and black coffee with no cream. No alcoholic beverages.
No smoking day of surgery.

Infant formula or non-human milk permitted until six hours before surgery.
Breast milk permitted until four hours before surgery.
Clear liquids (water, Pedialyte, clear fruit juice without pulp) permitted until three hours before surgery.

Please call with any questions: PASE at (319) 398-6211 or Mercy Surgery Center at (319) 398-6533.