Most people can safely continue aspirin for cataract surgery, and stopping it is rarely necessary unless advised by your medical team.
Why aspirin is often continued
The visual benefits outweigh the small bleeding risk in typical cases.
- Minor increase in surface bruising but very low risk of serious ocular haemorrhage
- Stopping aspirin may raise the chance of heart attack or stroke in high‑risk patients
- Topical anaesthesia and small incisions further reduce bleeding issues
- Standard practice in many centres is to operate without stopping aspirin
- Clear instructions given if any exception applies to your situation
Situations needing individual advice
Occasionally, plans are tailored.
- Use of dual antiplatelet therapy after recent stenting
- Planned combined procedures with higher bleeding risk
- History of serious bleeding complications
- Need for input from a cardiologist before altering therapy
- Detailed pre‑assessment to document current doses and indications
