Eliquis & cataract surgery

Hi,

A simple question that’s probably already been answered for me, but I wanted to make sure about whether or not to stop Eliquis any period of time before my cataract surgery. I did have the LAA ablation and a Watchman placed and I’m pretty sure Dr. Natale had said in the past that if ever one needed to, they could stop for up to seven days, maybe 5. Since I haven’t heard anything from the cataract people and my procedure is in 10 days, I assume it is not necessary. However, I’d like to get my answers from the experts at A-Fibbers because you all know the specific conditions and answers. I trust the information from most people here.

Thank you.

You can definitely stop Eliquis for 5-7 days, but I would double check with the surgeon. I've never had cataract surgery and don't know for sure, but my understanding of the procedure is that bleeding isn't really an issue. The only incision is into the cornea, and it doesn't have a blood supply.

Thanks, Carey. Mine is a plain cataract surgery, no special lenses. I will ask them too on Monday.

I did not have to cease taking Eliquis on schedule. The eye only bleeds from the retina, as far as I know, not from the surrounding orb, cornea, etc. The ophthalmologist only slits the side of the cornea and does the phaco-emulsification to bust up the lens and then literally sucks it out. Then inserts the new IOL, and from there I dunno. You get driven home....and keep taking drops two/three times each day for another three weeks in my case.

Not necessary to stop. Also they will probably want a clearance from your cardiologist or EP to proceed prior to surgery day based on patient history and probably the anesthesiologist too cover all bases. If they have name and number they should handle that quickly and easily.

I went from my usual 20/20 all my life to much worse with blurriness and colors were dark. Next day check up I was back to 20/25 and one week check 20/20!!! I just don’t know why they progressed so fast from one eye exam to the next year exam And boom cataracts/surgery. A Fib and circulation? I’ll probably never know why but was thrilled to get that first eye done 3 days before the Winter Olympics started!!!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/20/2026 03:00PM by Qwackertoo.