Relaxing before cataract surgery can help you prepare for the procedure and recovery. Studies show that waiting areas with cooler temperatures, dim lighting and pleasing fragrances put patients at ease.

Talking to others about your fears and worries can also help you feel more relaxed. Whether it’s friends, family or strangers on the Internet, talking through your anxiety can make you feel less worried and more comfortable.

Deep breathing exercises can help keep nerves at bay, reduce stress levels and lower blood pressure. There are many different techniques you can practice to calm your mind, including counting as you breathe in, hold and breathe out, or simply taking a few minutes each day to slow down your breathing.

Listening to music can also help you relax and de-stress before surgery, a study found. Similarly, short massage administered immediately before surgery has been shown to reduce anxiety and heart rate, as well as blood pressure.

Getting plenty of sleep before cataract surgery can also help. It’s also important to avoid eating and drinking for a few hours before the procedure.

You will also need to stop taking certain medications for a few days before the operation, including aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and antibiotics.

Your doctor may prescribe eye drops to prevent infection and relieve pain during and after surgery. This is an important part of your healing process, so be sure to follow the instructions and bring them with you to the surgery.