Are your cataracts starting to affect your daily life? Do you think it is time to have cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is a procedure that will improve your life. But since you are awake during it, you may have concerns that it will hurt.
One of the best ways to ease your nerves is to ask your surgeon questions. A very common question is, “Will cataract surgery hurt?”
The eye is one of the most sensitive parts of the body. It makes sense to think that having an incision cut into your eye or using lasers would hurt.
But in reality, you can’t feel any pain at all during cataract surgery. Keep reading to find out why cataract surgery isn’t painful!
You are awake during cataract surgery
When a patient has cataract surgery, they rarely say that it is painful. At most, they may say they felt a small amount of discomfort.
It’s worth it because they finally have clear vision after the procedure! During cataract surgery, you are awake.
This is the main reason patients think the procedure will be painful. Before the procedure, patients receive a mild sedative like Valium.
This ensures they stay relaxed during the procedure. You’ll also receive numbing eye drops before cataract surgery.
This is why you won’t feel any pain at all! You may feel some discomfort or pressure, but it is not normal to feel any pain.
While your surgeon is performing the procedure, they will use a tool to keep your eyes open. It will not hurt, but you might be uncomfortable while your surgeon removes your eye’s lenses.
After removing the lens, your surgeon will then insert your new intraocular lens. This takes the place of your natural lens. This is quick and pain-free for patients.
Since you are awake during the procedure, your doctor will check-in on you. They want to make sure you are okay every step of the way.
You’ll receive medications to numb your eyes
The medications you will receive might make you feel cloudy or hazy. It might be hard to remember what happened before, during, and after surgery.
Even though you are awake during, the medication can still make this happen.
After surgery, the medication will wear off. When this happens, your eyes might start to feel uncomfortable.
If you experience a lot of discomfort you can take an over the counter pain medication. Additionally, your surgeon will give you instructions on what to do after cataract surgery.
You may experience discomfort or pain after surgery
After surgery, you may experience any number of uncomfortable symptoms. These could include:
- Irritated or itchy eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Foggy or cloudy vision
- Watery eyes
- A foreign body sensation like something is in your eyes
The good news is that these symptoms usually only last for a few days. About a week after surgery, your vision should clear up, allowing you to go back to living your life.
While you are recovering, if you have pain, you could be having a complication from the surgery. Please contact your doctor if you experience any pain.
Are you ready to get cataract surgery? Schedule a cataract screening at Loden Vision Centers in Nashville, TN now!
