During Surgery

Recent advancements in surgical techniques make general anesthesia unnecessary. Your doctor or nurse will instead apply a topical anesthetic that will numb and immobilize your eye, but you will remain awake and alert the entire time.

Your nurse will also start intravenous fluids and attach you to a heart rate monitor. A drape will be placed around your face so that only the eye to be operated on is visible.

The doctor will then make a very small incision in the eye or cornea, insert a small probe to break up and remove the cataract, and insert your new lens. In most cases, the incision is so small that stitches are not required to close it.

Most people experience no pain or discomfort during the procedure, which lasts anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. (If you feel any pain, make sure and let your doctor know.) During this time, most patients are aware of the surgical team and environment around them, but they can't make out any images.

Once the surgery is complete, your doctor will cover your eye with a bandage or shield. In many cases, the bandage may be removed within a few hours. After a short recovery period, you can have someone drive you home.

• The Procedure Itself
• The Surgical Environment