DO take all essential medications, such as blood pressure, breathing, or heart medications, on the morning of surgery. DO take a bath, including a thorough face scrubbing. DO NOT wear hair pins, hair clasps, hair combs, or jewelry, including watches, rings, or anything metal. At the surgical facility, eyedrops are administered, and an I.V is started to provide fluids and medication during surgery. About an hour prior, a painless local anesthetic is given to the area around the eye.
Most cataract surgery is performed using topical anesthesia, no shots are necessary.
This is considered the safest method because the chances of nausea, heart, and lung problems are minimized. An anesthetist monitors the patient's breathing and general medical health during surgery. After the anesthetic has taken effect, the patient is transported to the operating area where the eyelids are scrubbed and special drapes are placed around the eye. The surgical procedure takes 15 minutes. When completed, a shield is applied to the operated eye.