When you come in for cataract surgery, the first thing we want to do is make you comfortable.
After signing your paperwork, we’ll give you a Valium tablet to help you relax. If you’re having laser-assisted cataract surgery, we perform the laser portion prior to entering the operating room. The laser treatment takes about two minutes. During that time, it’s easy to get through — and I’m told the last 30 seconds are like a laser light show. Pretty cool!
After the laser, you’ll meet with anesthesia. By then, an IV will already be in place, and we’ll give you IV medications to help keep you calm and comfortable. I like to tell people — we want to get you chilled out, not knocked out. We don’t want you disoriented. We want you to know where you are, just very relaxed through the whole process.
Then we’ll head into the operating room. During that time, we’ll verify your identity and go through a formal timeout procedure.
The actual surgical procedure takes about six or seven minutes.
When we’re finished, we’ll place a protective covering over your eye and monitor your vital signs to make sure everything looks good. Then you’ll go home with your family member.
The next morning, we’ll see you for a post-op appointment to check your progress, review instructions, and ensure you’re off to a great start.
