To optimize your eyes before cataract surgery, your surgeon may start you on a regimen to improve the tear film. This often includes lubricating preservative-free artificial tears to hydrate the surface, and sometimes prescription drops (like mild steroid, cyclosporine or lifitegrast drops) to reduce inflammation if dry eye is significant.

Warm compresses applied to closed eyelids each day can help unclog oil glands in your lids, improving the quality of your tears (think of it like warming up hardened butter – the oils flow better). Your doctor might also recommend omega-3 fatty acid supplements or other nutritional support, as some evidence suggests they can improve dry eye symptoms.

By following these steps in the weeks before surgery, you’re making sure that your measurements will be more accurate and your healing time after surgery will be optimized.