head strapped

i haven't been diagnosed NOW but 10 years ago i was told cataracts are beginning and they seemed to start bothering me with glare real bad like computer and looking out the window---bad real bad----anyway i'm in my late 60's and petrified of being CONFINED and OUT OF CONTROL.
what do i do --i think i need a physical from my primary ( who i only saw 2x years ago---no bedside manner ) and a referal to even get an appt. with an opthamologist.-------maybe i'm wrong but that's what i heard.
my real problem is a real fear all my life of 2 things: being put to sleep therefor out of control AND being confined like dentist ( i have dentures now phew ! ) hairdresser ( do my own ) etc. i heard they strap your head down-----i understand why BUT i will totally freak out if they do that to me.
i'm sure i'll be thrilled with being able to see right again with no more cloudiness and GLARE sooooooo bad.
thanks to all of you in advance------hope someone can help !!!!!!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

You are not put to sleep for cataract surgery its done under local anesthesia. In most instances from the time the surgeon sits down to when the operation is complete is less than 15-20 minutes. Your head does not need to be strapped down.

Get in to see an Eye MD. Often the longer you wait the more difficult the surgery.

JCH MD

[Candace888]

Hi Dottie,

I had massive eye surgery, very complicated for a severely detached retina 4 months ago.  It was done under local anesthetic, meaning I was vaguely aware at times of what was going on.  It was an emergency and I knew it was going to be a very involved procedure.  I was very afraid.  I've had heart surgery as well and was not as nervous abuot that going in as I was for this.  The local is very effective, I would "wake up" some and be aware and think "they're working on my eye" but was not afraid, nervous, no desire to move...nothing.  The anesthetic made me completely relaxed, as my doctor had said "you'll be so stoned, you won't care".  I had another surgery two weeks ago...not as big of a surgery but still the same thing.  I could hear the doctors talking and working on my eye but I could really not have cared any less.  It will be worth it for you to have clear vision.  Please don't worry.  Millions of people have cataract surgery and everyone is afraid of having their eye worked on, but they survive and you will be fine!

Take care,
Candace

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[GeoffM]

I had cataract surgery 2 weeks ago under a general anaesthetic for 2 reasons: firstly, complications (coloboma along with weak eye structures) so they had more time to work if something went wrong; secondly, I was scared as hell because I only have 1 good eye. For the most serious of cases of nervousness, a general is considered over a local. But the vast majority are done under local (>99%) and you are given a sedative to relax you. What Candace says sounds about right from what I've heard - you're not really aware of what's going on.

Talk to your surgeon about a general, but be aware of the risks (and possible additional expense).