A Comparison of Patient Perceptions Undergoing Manual Cataract Surgery (MCS) vs Refractive Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery (ReLACS) in First and Second Eyes

A Comparison of Patient Perceptions Undergoing Manual Cataract Surgery (MCS) vs Refractive Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery (ReLACS) in First and Second Eyes

The focus of this study is to assess how pain can be mitigated for patients undergoing cataract surgery through the early application of anesthesia prior to the surgery as compared to the standard timing, and by using the ReLACS cataract surgery technique compared to the standard MCS technique.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients undergoing uncomplicated cataract surgery with either surgical technique (MCS or ReLACS)
2. Patients who require surgery in both eyes by same surgeon
3. Able to understand English and complete a pain assessment

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Deafness or communication disorder, known Dementia, Severe COPD/Asthma (severe lung disorder), Severe OSA, Psychiatric or Anxiety conditions, involuntary movement disorders, allergy to the anesthesia, any conditions requiring intraoperative iris manipulation, any prior ocular surgery
2. Pre-existing chronic eye pain or uveitis, or complicated cataracts (dislocation, zonulopathy)
3. Pre-existing uncontrolled glaucoma/high IOP
4. Intraoperative complications or non-routine cataracts (eg. Sutures, excessive time of surgery)
5. Any patient who requires Deep Sedation (Propofol), GA or preOP Ativan
6. Patients under 40, severe obesity (BMI >35)
7. Chronic pain/narcotics/Recreational/medical marijuana