Topical anesthesia--a new approach to cataract surgery

Patients undergoing cataract surgery with the use of topical anesthesia experience less pain, can return home faster, and avoid the need for an eye patch, which can cause depth perception problems. Patient education performed by the perioperative nurse significantly affects patients' experience and recovery. This article discusses the history of cataract surgery, etiology of cataract formation, and traditional anesthetic choices. The patient selection process relative to topical anesthesia is defined, and the patient's experience throughout the perioperative phases of cataract extraction is described.