No, for cataract surgery you will typically be lying down on a table. This will usually be in an operating room and the surgeon, and several other members of the eye care team will be there with you.
The surgeon will place numbing drops in your eye to prepare for the procedure. You may be asked to look in certain directions to properly position your eye for the surgery. Local or general anesthesia may be used depending on the your particular needs and preferences.
During the procedure a tiny incision is made in the eye and a very thin probe is inserted in order to remove the cataract. After this is done, a tiny artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL), is then placed in the eye.
This will help your vision to improve significantly. The procedure usually takes less than an hour, and you should have improved vision almost right away. To ensure a comfortable recovery and best results, your doctor will offer additional advice and instructions post-surgery.
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Do you lay down or sit up during cataract surgery?
The positioning that is used during your cataract surgery will depend on the preferences of both your eye surgeon and anesthesiologist. Generally, you may either be lying on your back or sitting upright in a reclining chair during the procedure.
Each patient and procedure is different, and it is possible that your particular case may be best served with another position.
If you are lying on your back, you will have your head placed in a specialized head rest while the anesthesiologist administers the necessary anesthesia. An eye-protecting shield, similar to a large cup, will be placed over the eye being operated on to protect it from any accidental damage during the procedure.
If you are sitting upright in the reclining chair during the surgery, you will likely remain awake; however, a mild sedative may be given to keep you calm and relaxed. The eye surgeon will make an incision inside of your eye to surgically remove the natural lens and install the artificial one.
A large machine will be used to hold your head still and steady during the procedure.
Regardless of the position you are in for your cataract surgery, your surgeon and anesthesiologist will make sure you are as safe and comfortable as possible. It is very important that you stay still and relaxed during the procedure.
What position are you in during cataract surgery?
During cataract surgery, the patient is in a reclining position with the head and body thoroughly supported in a comfortable position. The patient will be asked to look up at the operating light to ensure that the eye is in the proper position and to make the surgical procedure easier.
The patient may also be asked to look in different directions indicated by the surgeon at certain points in the surgery. The patient remains still during the procedure and follows instructions from the surgeon.
The support personnel will help the patient stay comfortable, keep the eye open, and will provide additional equipment, as needed.
How many days rest is needed after cataract surgery?
It is generally recommended that patients get one to two days of rest after cataract surgery, although the exact amount of rest recommended will vary depending on the individual. The first 24 to 48 hours after surgery should be spent resting with minimal activity in order to allow the eye to heal properly.
During this time, your doctor may recommend applying ice packs over the eye as well as keeping the head elevated while sleeping. Furthermore, it is advised to avoid any activities that may cause strain or pressure on the eye.
Some activities to avoid include heavy lifting, straining, bending over, or swimming. After the first 48 hours, light activity, such as walking around the house or gentle stretching can be done but with caution.
It is usually advised that the patient wait at least one week before engaging in strenuous activity or sports. Depending on the individual and the type of surgery performed, some doctors may advise the patient to wait longer than a week before returning to normal activities.
What I wish I knew before cataract surgery?
Before cataract surgery, it is important to understand what a cataract is, what the procedure involves, the potential risks and benefits, and the recovery time.
A cataract is the clouding of the lens in the eye, which causes blurry vision. Cataracts can occur as part of the aging process, or from an eye injury, disease, or even from years of exposure to ultraviolet light.
Cataract surgery is a procedure used to remove the cloudy lens in the eye and replace it with an artificial clear lens. The procedure is relatively simple and may be done in a hospital or doctor’s office.
It is important to understand the potential risks associated with cataract surgery. Common risks can include infection, increased pressure in the eye, or bleeding. It is recommended to discuss these risks with your doctor prior to the procedure.
It is also important to understand the potential benefits of cataract surgery. The most significant benefit is improved vision, as the new lens that replaces the cloudy lens provides a clear view of the world.
The recovery time after cataract surgery varies by person, but generally it takes a few weeks to heal. Following surgery, your doctor will likely give you instructions for taking care of your eyes, including wearing an eye shield at night and avoiding rubbing or touching your eyes.
In addition, you may need to wear special sunglasses when outside to protect your eyes from the sun.
It is important to know the potential risks and benefits associated with cataract surgery, as well as the recovery time. It is also important to discuss all questions and concerns with your doctor prior to the procedure.
Can cataract surgery be done in an upright position?
Yes, cataract surgery can be done in an upright position. This is known as “Suturing and Stapling” and is a newer technique for cataract surgery. In this type of procedure, a special device is used to grasp the lens and pull it up in a controlled and steady fashion.
The lens is then secured in a stable position and held by sutures or stapling. This type of surgery has many advantages over traditional cataract surgery, including less time under anesthesia, a dramatically lower risk of infection, and faster recovery time.
This is because the eye cannot move during the procedure, reducing the risk of complications. However, due to the complexity of the procedure, Suturing and Stapling is typically performed under a microscope and requires an experienced and skilled surgeon to perform.
Additionally, due to the positioning of the eye, only certain types of lenses can be used with this technique and a longer recovery period may be required.
What part of cataract surgery is not covered by insurance?
In general, cataract surgery is typically covered by health insurance. However, there are some aspects of the procedure that may not be covered by insurance, such as:
• The cost of the intraocular lens (IOL): IOLs are the lenses that are implanted to replace the natural lenses that have become clouded due to a cataract. Depending on the type of IOL chosen by the patient and the surgeon, some insurance providers may not pay for the cost of the IOL or may require the patient to cover a portion of the cost.
• Any pre-operative tests: Depending on the patient’s circumstances and the condition of their eyes, the surgeon may order pre-operative tests to measure the size and shape of the eye, evaluate the existing degree of cataract and contrast sensitivity, check for early signs of macular degeneration and/or glaucoma, and obtain other essential information to guide the surgery.
Depending on the insurance provider, these tests may not be paid for by insurance.
• Post-operative services or follow-up visits: Postoperative follow-up visits to check the progress of the eye after surgery and any related treatment may not be covered by the patient’s insurance. In some cases, the surgeon may recommend additional treatments or procedures, such as a YAG laser capsulotomy or vitrectomy, and the cost of these services may not be covered by insurance.
• Anti-infective drops or medications: Patients may require additional medication post-surgery, such as anti-infective drops or medications to help ensure a successful recovery and reduce the risk of infection.
Depending on the type of medications and/or drops, they may not be covered by insurance.
It is important to note that insurance coverage varies from policy to policy and from provider to provider, so it is essential for a patient to contact their insurance provider prior to surgery to determine the exact level of coverage for the surgery and any additional treatments or services.
