Eating before cataract surgery?

In looking around the web it seems that most providers say not to eat anything after the midnight before cataract surgery.  Yet others say to eat a good meal!  I do not understand that range of requirements.   The really empty stomach makes sense for general anesthesia, but the patient is rarely sedated to that extent for cataract surgery. (Children are, never heard of an adult being put under that far for this.)  So why do so many Drs. still instruct their patients to starve?  I forget how long it takes for the healthy stomach to empty after a normal meal (nothing greasy) but surely for most people a bowl of cereal or a couple of pieces of toast are long gone after 6 hours or so.  At least it sure feels that way to me, judging by how hungry I am that many hours after a light breakfast.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Sedation is usually given with cataract surgery.  This may cause nausea and vomiting.

Dr. O.