Are You Completely Asleep During Cataract Surgery?
No, most patients are not completely asleep during cataract surgery. The procedure is usually performed using local anesthesia to numb the eye, along with medication that helps you feel calm and relaxed.
You may remain awake enough to hear your surgeon or follow a simple instruction, but many patients feel drowsy and remember very little afterward. Some people even briefly drift off during the procedure.
General anesthesia—when you are fully unconscious—is not normally required for routine cataract surgery.
What Type of Anesthesia Is Used for Cataract Surgery?
Most cataract procedures use a combination of:
- Numbing eye drops or local anesthesia
- Light sedation to reduce anxiety
- Continuous monitoring throughout the procedure
The numbing medication prevents you from feeling pain in the treated eye. The sedative helps you relax without placing you into the deep sleep associated with general anesthesia.
The exact approach may vary depending on your health, anxiety level, surgeon’s recommendations and the type of cataract procedure being performed.
Will I Remember the Surgery?
Every patient responds to sedation differently. Some people remember seeing lights or hearing voices, while others remember very little.
Light sedation can make you feel:
- Calm
- Sleepy
- Less aware of time
- Less likely to remember the entire procedure
Even though you are not usually completely unconscious, the experience often feels much shorter than expected.
How Long Does Cataract Surgery Take?
The surgical portion of a routine cataract procedure is often relatively brief, although your total visit will be longer.
Additional time is needed to:
- Prepare your eye
- Administer medication
- Dilate and numb the eye
- Monitor you after surgery
- Review your postoperative instructions
Cataract surgery is generally performed as an outpatient procedure, which means you can return home the same day.
Can I Move or Blink During Cataract Surgery?
Patients frequently worry that blinking or accidentally moving will interfere with the surgery.
A small device gently keeps the eyelids open, so you do not need to worry about blinking. Your head is positioned comfortably, and the surgical team will help you remain still.
Your surgeon may occasionally ask you to look toward a light or keep your eye in a particular position. If you need to cough, sneeze or adjust your position, tell the surgical team instead of moving suddenly.
Schedule a Cataract Evaluation
If cloudy vision, glare, or difficulty driving is interfering with your daily life, you do not have to wait until your cataract becomes severe.
The cataract specialists at Meadows Eye Physicians & Surgeons can evaluate your vision, explain your treatment options, and help you determine whether cataract surgery is right for you.
Call (702) 358-0472 to schedule a comprehensive cataract evaluation at a Meadows Eye location in the Las Vegas area.