Are you going to have a surgery to remove your cataract? Are you apprehensive that cataract surgery is painful? The answer, in one word, is no. Cataract surgery does not hurt.
You will be awake during the procedure, but your doctor will ensure that you won’t feel any pain.
What kind of anaesthesia is used?
When you arrive on your day of surgery, anaesthetic (or numbing) eye drops are applied to your eye to prevent discomfort. Sometimes, if you’re apprehensive, your doctor will prescribe a mild sedative so you sleep well the night before your cataract surgery.
In some cases, you may be given additional medication intravenously during surgery. This helps you relax. You may require a local injection of anaesthetic, called a peribulbar block.
Remember, you will remain awake during the procedure and your doctor will keep talking to you throughout the procedure. During the surgery, you may notice bright lights, shadows and movement. You may also feel some pressure on the eye. However, you won’t be able to see what your doctor is doing. You may or may not remember what happens during surgery, in case your doctor chooses to use a sedative, but you will be awake the entire time.
Very rarely, will your doctor ask for surgery under general anaesthesia. Cataract surgery after making you unconscious is rare. It is usually reserved for those who aren’t able to comprehend instructions, or are unable to lie down.
What about pain after cataract surgery?
As the effect of anaesthetic drops wears off after the procedure, you might feel some discomfort. This discomfort is usually mild. You doctor will give you some anti-inflammatory tablets to help, or you can choose to use over-the-counter pain medication.
Your eye surgeon will also give you eyedrops which will help with any post-surgical discomfort.
You may be a little uncomfortable in the immediate post operative period. However, in case of excessive pain, redness or watering from the eyes, you must contact your eye doctor immediately.
