Cataract Treatment
What to Expect During Cataract Surgery
Recent advancements in cataract surgical techniques make general anesthesia unnecessary. Our surgeon or nurse will instead apply a topical anesthetic that will numb and immobilize your eye, but you will remain awake and alert the entire time.
Here's what you can expect:
- After you have been given numbing drops for your eye, you will be able to hear the sounds of the instruments and your surgeon, nurse, and technician talking, but you probably won't be able to see them.
- Your nurse will also start intravenous fluids and attach you to a heart rate monitor. A drape will be placed around your face so that only the eye to be operated on is visible. The surgeon will then make a very small incision in the eye or cornea, insert a small probe to break up and remove the cataract, and insert your new lens. In most cases, the incision is so small that stitches are not required to close it. As your surgeon inserts your new artificial lens toward the end of the procedure, the microscope light may become very bright.
- Most people experience no pain or discomfort during the procedure, which lasts anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. (If you feel any pain, make sure to let us know.) During this time, most patients are aware of the surgical team and environment around them, but they can't make out any images.
- The operating room will be treated to prevent infection, just the same as it would for any major surgical procedure. The surgical team will wear scrubs, gloves, and masks to help preserve this sterile environment. Many surgeons also opt to use surgical kits with disposable surgical tools and solutions that further limit the odds of spreading infection.
- Once the cataract surgery is complete, we will cover your eye with a bandage or shield. In many cases, the bandage may be removed within a few hours. After a short recovery period, you can have someone drive you home.
To learn what you can expect after cataract surgery—both immediately and in the long run—go here.