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.
We will give you a light sedative so you can relax during the surgery. Then, we apply a local numbing agent to the eye so that you don't feel anything and are less inclined to blink. We will then fit a special device that prevents your eyelids from moving while we apply the laser.
During the procedure, the eyelids are held open with a small medical device to prevent blinking. It is therefore impossible for you to close your eye or blink during the procedure.
A small instrument is placed over your eye that gently works to help keep your eye open, still and steady during the procedure.
This completely numbs the eye so although you awake and you can hear your surgeon talking (you are not allowed to speak during the surgery as that moves the head and could be highly dangerous). You lie on a comfortable couch with a bright light.
An eye holder gently keeps the lid open during the procedure to prevent blinking. Although this may sound alarming, there is usually little to no sensation from the lid holder because the eye gets numbed before its use.
I use paper tape to gently hold the patient's head in place during the procedure. Place it over the forehead and use a tape that is gentle and will not damage delicate skin.
Small pieces of sticking tape are commonly used to keep the eyelids fully closed during the anaesthetic. This has been shown to reduce the chance of a corneal abrasion occurring. 1,2 However, bruising of the eyelid can occur when the tape is removed, especially if you have thin skin and bruise easily.
The patient sits upright or semi-recumbent, and the surgeon sits or stands, facing the patient. The microscope is rotated forward, and surgery is done via an incision in the lower half of the cornea, using topical intracameral anesthesia.
Here are some things that you may want to avoid before and after cataract surgery to ensure that you heal properly. Avoiding eating and drinking before your surgery. Don't wear makeup to the surgery appointment, and avoid wearing makeup until your ophthalmologist allows it so that you can better prevent infection.
Cataract surgery is not a painful procedure. If you ask a friend or colleague who might have had cataract surgery, they'll tell you that they feel a slight stinging sensation when we first place drops inside the eye at the start of the operation. But very soon after that, the eye is completely numb.
Among the most frequently asked questions: What happens if I sneeze or blink during my LASIK surgery? The short answer: Blinking or sneezing will not affect the outcome of your surgery.
Cataract surgery is a straightforward procedure that usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. It's often carried out as day surgery under local anaesthetic and you should be able to go home on the same day.
No, your vision generally doesn't deteriorate after cataract surgery unless other problems arise, such as macular degeneration or glaucoma. In cataract surgery, the eye doctor (ophthalmologist) removes the clouded lens from your eye and replaces it with a clear, artificial lens.
Patients who cannot lie flat for cataract surgery should be warned that their surgery may have a higher risk of surgical complications.
Typically, patients are awake during cataract surgery. This eliminates risks associated with general anesthesia (where you are “put to sleep”) and enables Our Doctors to communicate with you during your procedure. You will be given an oral medication prior to the procedure to help you relax during your surgery.
Rubbing your eye or even water splashing in your eye can aggravate the chances of infection. You may also want to avoid sleeping on the side of the operated eye for the first 24 hours.
With arms positioned "hands up", there is a risk of compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow and stretching of the brachial plexus at the shoulder. In addition, no supports should be positioned directly in the axilla to avoid compressing the brachial plexus.
During general anesthesia, eyes need protection either by tape or ointment to avoid corneal injuries.
Don't: Eat or Drink Right Before the Surgery
While under sedation, there is a chance of stomach acid going into your lungs, which can cause damage. You will need to fast for about 12 hours before surgery to ensure you are safe from this effect.
Do not bend over or do any strenuous activities, such as biking, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, for 2 weeks or until your doctor says it is okay. Avoid swimming, hot tubs, gardening, and dusting for 1 to 2 weeks. Wear sunglasses on bright days for at least 1 year after surgery.
You can discard your eye shield the morning after your cataract surgery, but it's still advisable to sleep on your back for a couple of weeks so your eye doesn't come into contact with your pillow and pick up any particles from it. This will help your eye to heal and reduce the risk of infection.
It's estimated that around 80% of patients see colours during their cataract surgery. The most common colours are blue and red, although pink, yellow, green, purple, turquoise and orange have also been reported. Nearly all patients who see these colours during their cataract surgery say that it's a pleasant experience.