Eye Drops Before Surgery: What You Need to Know

When you’re scheduled for eye surgery, eye drops before surgery, medications applied to the eye prior to a procedure to reduce infection risk, control pressure, or prepare the surface. Also known as preoperative ophthalmic solutions, they’re not optional—they’re a core part of making sure the surgery goes smoothly and safely. These aren’t the same drops you use for redness or allergies. They’re specially formulated for surgical settings and timed precisely to work when your body needs them most.

There are three main types you’ll likely encounter. First, antibiotic eye drops, used to kill or slow bacteria that could cause dangerous infections after surgery. These are often started a day or two before the procedure, especially for cataract or corneal surgeries. Second, anti-inflammatory eye drops, like corticosteroids or NSAIDs, that reduce swelling and calm the eye’s natural reaction to trauma. Third, glaucoma eye drops, such as latanoprost, that lower intraocular pressure to prevent spikes during surgery. If you already use these for glaucoma, your doctor may adjust the timing or type to match your surgical plan.

It’s not just about what’s in the bottle—it’s about how you use it. Skipping a dose, using the wrong one, or touching the dropper to your eye can ruin the whole plan. Even a tiny bit of contamination can lead to serious complications. Your surgeon’s team will give you exact instructions: how many drops, how often, and when to stop before the procedure. Don’t guess. Don’t skip. And if you’re unsure, call them—don’t wait until the day of surgery.

Some patients wonder why they need drops if they’re having LASIK or cataract surgery—both are common and seem routine. But routine doesn’t mean risk-free. Studies show that even small lapses in preoperative eye drop use can double the chance of post-surgery infection. That’s not a risk worth taking, even if you feel fine. These drops are your first line of defense.

You might also notice your doctor checks your eye pressure before you get the drops. That’s because pressure changes during surgery can damage the optic nerve or cause bleeding. If you’re on glaucoma meds, your team needs to know your baseline so they can adjust. And if you’ve had previous eye surgery, your history matters—some drops may be avoided or replaced based on your past reactions.

What you won’t find in the post-op instructions? Random over-the-counter drops. Don’t bring your usual redness relievers to the clinic. They can interfere with healing or mask signs of infection. Stick to what your surgeon prescribes. If you’re unsure whether a drop is safe, ask. Always.

The collection below dives into real-world details you won’t get in a quick handout: how latanoprost lowers pressure, why certain antibiotics are chosen over others, how moisture affects eye medication storage, and what happens if you miss a dose. These aren’t theoretical—they’re the kind of facts that help you ask the right questions and avoid common mistakes before surgery. Whether you’re preparing for cataract removal, LASIK, or another eye procedure, what you do in the days before matters just as much as what happens in the operating room.