Because cataracts forms inside the eye, they cannot be removed with lasers or by changing one's diet or medication. The best way to treat cataracts is by removing the natural lens and replacing it with a new artificial lens, also called an Intraocular Lens (IOL), through cataract surgery.
Lens options include single vision IOL’s and premium IOL’s:
Anesthesia
There are two types of anesthesia for cataract surgery; topical anesthesia and peribulbar anesthesia.
Topical Anesthesia
In this type of anesthesia, minimal intravenous sedation is given by the anesthesia team, followed by a combination of dilating eye drops and anesthetic drops/jelly. Once in the operating room, an anesthetic is injected into the front part of the eye (the anterior chamber) to ensure adequate anesthesia.
Topical anesthesia is an excellent option for patients who are able to lay still for 15 minutes while the surgery is being completed. It also offers the quickest visual recovery, as patients may begin their postoperative drops the evening of surgery. If you are claustrophobic or nervous about surgery, please let your surgeon know to ensure the best outcome.
Peribulbar Anesthesia
In this type of anesthesia, minimal intravenous sedation is given by the anesthesia team, followed by a combination of dilating eye drops and an anesthetic that is injected behind the eye. You will not feel or remember the injection due to intravenous sedation.
Peribulbar anesthesia is an excellent option of nervous or claustrophobic patients. It also ensures that the patient doesn’t feel or see anything during the surgery.