What to Expect During Cataract Surgery
Florida Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is the most common eye surgery performed. At the moment, cataract surgery is almost always performed on an outpatient basis, where the patient is allowed to return home to recover. If the cataract surgery is performed as an inpatient procedure, the patient will be asked to stay in the surgical facility or hospital after the procedure for at least a day to recover.
Prior to the cataract surgery, you will be asked to have another person to drive you to the procedure, because immediately following the cataract surgery, medications and your vision will impair your driving abilities. You will also be asked to arrive at the facility about an hour prior to the cataract surgery.
Once you have arrived at the cataract surgery facility, you will be given eye medications to perform a few different tasks:
- Dilate the pupil
- Numb the surface of the eye
- Reduce the risk of infection
- Reduce inflammation of the eye
Cataract surgery is performed with either local anesthetic or topical anesthetic. Both are used to numb the eye and prevent you from feeling any discomfort or pain. The type of anesthesia used during your cataract surgery depends on the cataract surgeon's preference, and on your medical history.
Cataract surgery is performed with you fully awake. Although you may wonder why the patient isn't put to sleep, the cataract surgery is such a small procedure that there is no need to put the patient under general anesthesia. Depending on the cataract surgeon and the anxiety of the patient, a mild sedative may be used so that you are relaxed during the cataract surgery.
The cataract surgery is performed while you lie on your back under a microscope. Because of the anesthetic, you will not feel any pain while the cataract surgeon removes your natural crystalline lens and replaces it with an Intraocular Lens (IOL). The procedure is performed as quickly as possible, and usually is finished in 20 to 30 minutes. If you need to move or cough or anything during the procedure, just inform the cataract surgeon so that they can move any instrument free of your eye.
Once the cataract surgery is complete, the surgeon will ask you to rest for a little bit and inform you of all of the post operative directions. After you have rested you can return home to rest and recuperate.
The staff at SNEADCataract will work with you to make sure you are completely comfortable with your cataract surgery.
You can view all of the qualifications, education, and professional experience of each eye care specialist at SNEADCataract by clicking here. Contact SNEADCataract to schedule your initial consultation.
Toll Free: (877) 936-8686
Local: (239) 936-8686
