Yes, you are typically in a reclining chair for cataract surgery, similar to a dentist's chair, where you'll be comfortably positioned while the surgeon works on your eye, often with local anesthetic and light sedation, although some specialized cases might use a traditional operating table. The chair allows for easy access to your eye and can sometimes be tilted for patients who can't lie flat, with specialized equipment like a rotating microscope used.
You will sit in a recliner chair. The nurse will ask you some questions and put eye drops in your eye. If you are nervous, you will be given medication to help you relax. If you are able, you will walk into and out of the operating room.
The procedure is commonly carried out with you in a reclined position to ensure the stability and accessibility of your eye for the eye doctor or surgeon. You will typically be lying flat on your back or in a slightly inclined position, with proper head support to ensure comfort during the surgery.
What happens at your pre-operative assessment. Told about anything specific you need to do before your operation, such as fasting. You will have your eye sight, blood pressure, height, weight and urine checked, followed by an assessment of your general health.
Usually, you'll be awake during cataract surgery. You might notice lights or motion, but you won't be able to see what your doctor is doing. Your eye doctor can give you medicine to help you stay relaxed and calm during the surgery.
An anesthetic shot or numbing eye drops will be used to make sure you'll be comfortable throughout the surgery. You should not feel pain or discomfort during your procedure. Cataract surgery is one of the safest, most successful surgeries involving the eye.
How long is bed rest after cataract surgery? You won't need bed rest following surgery. However, we do advise taking it easy for the first three weeks after your procedure.
Day of surgery
You will not be asked to undress prior to your surgery. Please wear clean loose fitting clothing such as a blouse or shirt that can be opened down the front.
Tips to Calm Your Anxiety Before Cataract Surgery
Use of a Head Stabiliser
During cataract surgery, a device known as a head stabiliser or headrest might be used.
Cataract surgery patients often worry about what may happen if they blink during the procedure. Although this is an understandable concern, there is no need to worry. You will be given an oral medication prior to the procedure to help you relax during your surgery.
Along with the anesthetic to the eye, in most cataract surgeries an anesthetist will also give you some mild sedative medication through an IV. This relaxes you but does not put you “out,” although some people do fall asleep during the procedure from the effects of the sedation.
Driving After Cataract Surgery
In the past, many people opted to take a cab home, but recent regulations require that eye care facilities release patients to the care of a friend or relative. This is so that the caretaker can stay with the patient and ensure there are no post-op complications, however rare they may be.
Don't get irritants in your eye
This is particularly helpful when outside in the first few days after your procedure. Additionally, try not to do any housework or cooking after cataract surgery for the first two weeks. If you cannot avoid this, wear your eye shield to reduce the risk of irritation and infection.
Major versus Minor Surgery
In minor surgeries, there is no need for the surgeon to open the body cavity, neither breathing assistance nor general anesthesia are typically required, and recovery does not require hospitalization. In all these regards, cataract surgery meets the definition of minor surgery.
Next, a sterile drape will be placed over your face to create a sterile operative field. The drape is tented up over your mouth so that you can easily breathe and not feel claustrophobic.
Do not drink anything except for clear water after midnight the night before surgery. If you do not fast, we will need to cancel your surgery. Take your daily medications as usual on the morning of surgery with small sips of water. If you are diabetic, do not take any oral diabetic medication the morning of surgery.
Is It Normal to Be Terrified of Cataract Surgery? Feeling nervous or even terrified of cataract surgery is more common than you might think. Many patients express concerns about being awake during the procedure, experiencing pain, or facing complications.
If anything unusual happened during the operation, like a cough or movement, your surgeon will explain whether any extra care is needed afterward. Most of the time, there's no impact at all. Coughing during cataract surgery may sound concerning, but it's something your medical team is prepared to manage.
You will be given an Implant Identification Card, which you should keep as a permanent record of the lens that was implanted in your eye.
We use local anaesthetic. You will have the local anaesthetic as eye drops, or as an injection around your eye. You are awake but will not feel any pain. You are not able to see properly during the operation, but you may notice bright lights or colours.
What clothing should I wear on the day of surgery? Wear comfortable, freshly laundered, loose fitting clothing. You will remain in your clothes (and socks / shoes) during the entire process.
Usually, you will not need stitches after cataract surgery and your eye will heal by itself. If you do need stitches, your surgeon will talk to you about what type of stitch has been used and whether they need to be removed. Your eye may be covered with a dressing to keep it clean.
4- weeks post-surgery
By now, any type of travel should be possible as the healing process is well underway. Of course, everyone is unique—so, If you've had any hiccups along your recovery journey then you should be guided by your ophthalmologist as to what might be sensible travel precautions.
Sleep As Much As You Need To
Sleeping is a vital part of the healing process, but you will need to be careful. Bumping or rubbing your eyes while you sleep can cause harm to your fragile, recovering eyes. Be sure to wear the eye shields provided to you after the surgery any time you sleep for as long as necessary.