What's It Like To Have Cataract Surgery?

There is a reason that cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed worldwide! Not only is the procedure safe and effective, but it is actually pretty easy to go through as well. So what’s it like?

Before getting started, lots of dilating, antibiotic, steroid and/or anti-inflammatory eye drops are placed in the eye. Following which, you are brought into the operating suite. The eyelids are cleaned with betadine antiseptic, a drape placed around the eye to keep everything clean and an eyelid holder is placed to prevent blinking from doing anything.

You actually remain awake during cataract surgery! Because cataract surgery is so quick and easy, there isn't any need to be put to sleep. All you really need is some relaxing medication and topical numbing drops. And that makes cataract surgery very comfortable to go through. The numbing drops take care of all pain, but you can still notice a weird pressure or stretching sensation from time to time during the procedure.

Because you stay awake you really have a unique experience. Bright lights are brought into your view. These lights bounce around quite a bit during the procedure and create a cool light show of colors. At times these lights may also fade in and out. Don’t worry about trying to follow these lights as they move around. You just get to lie back, look in the general direction of the lights and enjoy the spectacle!

Before you know it, however, cataract surgery is finished. The procedure really doesn't take much time at all; frequently less than fifteen minutes. Which means you get to enjoy your cataract-free vision all that much sooner!

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