Antibiotics are used in cataract surgery to prevent eye infections (called endophthalmitis). Although these infections are very rare, they can be very serious. Injecting an antibiotic into the eye during surgery is one of several things your eye surgeon will do to prevent infection. This is called an intracameral antibiotic. Antibiotic eye drops after surgery are usually not necessary if you have an injection.
Another type of eye drop (anti-inflammatory eye drops) may be used to reduce the risk of serious inflammation or swelling in the eyes. If your eye surgeon wants you to use anti‑inflammatory eye drops, they will discuss this with you and explain how to use the eye drops. With any eye drops, follow the dosing instructions carefully and only use them as long as you need to, to avoid using more than necessary.