A family member needs a cataract op on 1 eye only, she also has severe mental health problems. She insists that she cannot lie flat at all for any length of time whatsoever. Does anyone know if she can have her head
raised (even slightly) or how long you actually have to lay flat? Any info much appreciated, thanks.
Hi Maureen
I had my cataract operation last January and yes, before the operation you tell the staff that you have a problem laying flat and they will adjust the position to make you comfortable. The operation was very short and painless, it lasted perhaps 15 min or 20. It went so fast for me I hardly realised I was being operated on.
I suppose they could sedate her. When I had one done a nervous woman had asked to be sedated. That put her to the front of the list to give her extra time to recover.
The head piece can be raised very slightly and it is comfortable. The operation takes about 15 minutes and you can be given a sedative if necessary.