In addition, some patients become claustrophobic under the drape and others may experience a variety of visual sensations that up to 15% find frightening.
Patients Are Given Sedatives and Local Anesthesia
We know that the surgical process can be a source of stress for patients even though cataract removal is routine. This is why we give patients sedative drugs prior to surgery. These sedatives allow patients to be conscious but relaxed during the procedure.
You will be given eye drops to numb the eye. The anesthesiologist will give you medication through an I.V. to relax you. If you are still anxious or not fully comfortable, additional I.V. medication is given so that you are essentially asleep through the procedure.
Older studies indicate that 33% of patients report their fear and 32% experience increased emotional tension prior to first-eye cataract surgery. The main cause of these emotions is the fear of surgery, such as the fear that the procedure will be painful, fear of failure, and possible deterioration or loss of vision.
In the preoperative area, the nursing staff will prepare your eye for surgery with a combination of dilating, antiseptic, and anesthetic eye drops. You will usually be offered a Valium pill to take by mouth to reduce your anxiety in the pre-op area. The nursing staff will start an I.V.
After surgery, your eye may feel scratchy, sticky, or uncomfortable. It may also water more than usual. Most people see better 1 to 3 days after surgery. But it could take 3 to 10 weeks to get the full benefits of surgery and to see as clearly as possible.
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.
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.
When the eye is completely numb, an instrument will be used to hold your eye open while the procedure is completed. This instrument ensures that you will not blink during cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is one of the safest, most successful surgeries involving the eye.
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.
“Floppy iris syndrome and iris prolapse are among the most challenging things to deal with during cataract surgery,” Dr. Weinstock notes. “Using bimanual phaco and bimanual irrigation and aspiration is a great way to deal with this situation.
While each person heals differently, many patients report drastically better vision within the first 24 hours of the procedure. Plan on taking one to three days off of work to be sure you have enough time to rest, but it is normal to resume most normal activities within a couple of days.
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.
Immediately after cataract surgery
You will need to have a family member or friend with you to take you home. Once you get home, it is recommended that you rest your eyes and nap.
Sleep on your back or on the opposite side of the eye that was operated on to decrease your risk of infection and irritation after surgery. If you turn over in your sleep, your eye shield should help protect your eye from significant damage.
The most suitable sleeping position after cataract surgery is lying on the back. Doing so can help avoid severe postsurgery complications, such as blindness.
Tape the patient's head to the operating room table before starting the surgery. 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.
Several hours following the surgery, most patients are able to watch some television or look at a computer screen for a short period of time. It's important however that you don't over-exert your eyes during the first 24 hours post-surgery. You can expect to return to most normal activities during the first week.
Although true pain after cataract surgery is rare, mild to moderate discomfort is common. This discomfort can generally be controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol®. However, prescription medications can be prescribed for patients who experience more intense discomfort or pain.
In the first day or two after cataract surgery
You may notice haloes or a circle around light, particularly after multifocal lens implants; this will settle. You should not feel severe pain after cataract surgery but your eye will feel gritty or scratchy, like a grain of sand irritating the eye.
Endophthalmitis is a serious complication of cataract surgery involving microorganisms that gain entry into the eye. Risk factors for the development of endophthalmitis include rupture of the posterior capsule or the need for anterior vitrectomy during the procedure, age greater than 85 years, and male sex.
Midazolam injection is used to produce sleepiness or drowsiness and relieve anxiety before surgery or certain procedures. When midazolam is used before surgery, the patient will not remember some of the details about the procedure.
Relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation or muscle relaxation can be helpful. These techniques can be learned in classes or with the help of pre-recorded audio training courses. Massages, acupuncture, homeopathy, aromatherapy or hypnosis are sometimes offered before surgery too.
Strenuous activity and exercise after cataract surgery
Most people can do very light exercise the day after surgery, including walking. For activities like biking, running, tennis, golf and sex, wait one week after your procedure.