Final answer:
Preoperative drugs for cataract surgery commonly include pilocarpine to constrict the pupil, sedatives or anesthetics for relaxation and comfort, antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection, and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce post-surgery inflammation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before undergoing cataract surgery to extract the lens, patients are often given preoperative drugs to help with the procedure. One common medication is pilocarpine, a muscarinic agonist, which is used to constrict the pupil and contract the ciliary muscle, facilitating the surgical process and reducing intraocular pressure which can be beneficial in a condition like glaucoma. Another category of drugs used may include sedatives or anesthetics to help relax the patient and block any discomfort during the procedure. Preoperative antibiotic eye drops may also be prescribed to prevent infection. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory medications can be administered to minimize inflammation post-surgery.