Cataract surgery may be the most commonly performed eye surgery in all of ophthalmology. During this outpatient surgery, a cloudy lens in the human eye is removed and then replaced with an artificial intraocular lens to improve visual perception. Visual impairments that require glasses or contact lenses, such as nearsightedness or astigmatism, can also be addressed to optimize vision. But what type of anesthesia is used? And will you be awake during the surgery?
Will I be awake during cataract surgery?
Yes, you will be awake during cataract surgery. Nonetheless, you will receive intravenous sedation with the help of a physician who specializes in anesthesia. The medication given by this physician will make you feel much more relaxed and comfortable. Even the most anxious patients are able to make it safely through the surgical procedure with this type of anesthetic.
Can I request to be put to sleep during cataract surgery?
General anesthesia is used to put patients to sleep during a surgical procedure while a breathing tube allows them to breathe. Most eye doctors will try to avoid general anesthesia because it carries bigger risks than local anesthesia or intravenous sedation. For the vast majority of patients, a cataract operation can safely be performed with a combination of intravenous sedation and topical anesthesia in the form of eye drops. You can indeed request to be put to sleep during your cataract surgery, but your eye doctor will need to take into account your general health before making this decision. In most cases the risk of general anesthesia will likely outweigh the benefits.
FAQ’s About Will I Be Awake During Cataract Surgery
What types of anesthesia are used during cataract surgery, and how do they affect patient awareness?
Before you reach the operating room, our medical team will instill numbing eye drops (i.e. local anesthetic) in your eyes to minimize any discomfort you may feel during the procedure. In addition, a healthcare provider specializing in anesthesia will deliver a medicine through your IV line. Most people are able to remain comfortable during the virtually painless cataract procedure.
Will I feel any pain or discomfort if I’m awake during the procedure?
Advanced cataract surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that usually does not involve pain. At the surgery center there is an anesthesiologist who will be present during your entire procedure. You will receive eye drops that will numb the surface of your eye so that you do not feel pain or discomfort. In addition, the anesthesiologist will provide intravenous sedation to reduce any anxiety that you may feel about the procedure. Most patients feel nothing more than a few moments of pressure sensation in the eye. There is usually no bleeding involved in cataract surgery. At the end of your procedure, your surgeon will likely use a strong antibiotic in your eye to reduce the risk of infection. A clear plastic shield will be placed in front of your eye before you leave the surgery room. The plastic shield serves as a reminder to avoid eye rubbing. After you head home, you may notice that your eye feels a little scratchy and blurry. This is a normal part of the healing process and these symptoms are usually much better by the following morning.
How do surgeons ensure my eye remains still if I’m conscious during the operation?
Your eye surgeon will need to have a clear and stable view through your cornea and the pupil to perform your surgery. You will be instructed to focus on a bright light as your surgeon removes your cataract and replaces it with an artificial lens. Whenever you look away from the light, your eye doctor will re-direct your attention to the bright light. Your eye will be centered and in the optimal position for the surgeon while you are staring at the bright light.
What sensations or visual experiences might I notice while awake during cataract surgery?
Your visual acuity during the procedure will fluctuate and will feel blurry during the outpatient procedure. During your procedure you will be asked to maintain your focus on a bright light directly in front of you. This light will appear to change colors and it may also demonstrate some movement. Some patients describe the visual sensation to be much like a kaleidoscope. Also, many people notice some soft sounds from the gentle ultrasound (also known as phacoemulsification) that is used to remove your cataract before a new lens is implanted in the eye.
Are there risks associated with being awake versus under general anesthesia during cataract surgery?
Cataract surgeons will usually avoid the usage of general anesthesia during cataract surgery because it may be associated with more risks than sedation alone. The risks of general anesthesia include headache, nausea, and more serious consequences related to the breathing tube. As long as you and your surgical team are adept at problem solving and keeping you relaxed and focused during your surgery, there is serious risk associated with being awake during the cataract surgery.
How do doctors manage anxiety for patients who are awake during the procedure?
When you check in to the surgical center a nurse will start an IV on one of your arms. This IV will give the anesthesiologist direct access to your body’s circulatory system for the administration of relaxing medications. The most commonly used medication for this purpose is Versed. The anesthesiologist will be available throughout the entire procedure to give you more medicine in your IV if it is needed.
Is it common practice worldwide to keep patients awake during cataract surgery?
It is common practice in the United States and worldwide to remove cataracts without general anesthesia. The technique of intravenous sedation allows for a lower risk of complications compared to general anesthesia. This trend towards a lighter touch with anesthesia also has come along with a trend where cataract surgery is done in an outpatient setting rather than a hospital setting. By using less anesthesia we have also seen that patients are able to return to their everyday activities more quickly.
How long does the surgery typically last when performed with the patient awake?
The cataract surgery usually does not last more than 15 minutes. During this time your surgeon will be able to create your surgical incision, remove your cloudy natural lens, and place an iol (intraocular lens) in the eye to fix your vision problems. Optimal vision can be achieved based on your preferences. For instance, if you have a refractive error such as astigmatism that requires you to wear contact lens or glasses, toric iols are available to correct this astigmatism. If you are tired of wearing reading glasses (or progressive lenses), then your surgeon may rely on a class of intraocular lenses known as multifocal iols (or extended depth of focus iols). You healing will begin from the moment you start heading home. Most patients notice a significant improvement in their vision by the next morning.
Can I listen to music or engage in conversation to stay relaxed while awake during the surgery?
The surgical room will typically have some type of relaxing music playing in the background. This type of sound therapy can help to reduce anxiety, so if you have any preferences on musical artists, please let us know! Give a short 50-100 word answer
source https://lucentvision2020.com/cataract-surgery/will-i-be-awake-during-cataract-surgery/
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