The patient is awake during cataract surgery. This eliminates risks associated with general anesthesia (being “put to sleep”) and enables the cataract surgeon to communicate with the patient during the procedure. If the idea of being awake during cataract surgery concerns you, fear not — you will be given oral medication before the procedure so you are fully relaxed and feel no discomfort. You also may be given (or offered the choice of receiving) intravenous (IV) medication to help you remain calm and comfortable throughout the procedure. The medication typically makes it difficult for most patients to remember their experience in the surgical suite after the brief 10- to 15-minute procedure has been completed and they are in the recovery area. Within a short period of time after your procedure, you will be able to leave the surgery center, but you cannot drive after surgery. You must have someone with you to drive you home.
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