Are you strapped down during cataract surgery?


Editorial team Published on

No, your head is not strapped down during cataract surgery.

How Your Head Stays Still

  • Soft support: Staff place a soft foam or padded ring under your head to cradle it comfortably.
  • Natural positioning: The cushioned bed and gentle support make staying still feel easy and natural without any physical restraints.
  • Verbal cues: Your surgeon will ask you to look at a light and remain still for short periods, usually lasting only a few seconds at a time.

What Else to Expect

  • Awake and relaxed: You receive numbing eye drops and often a mild sedative to help you feel calm while staying awake.
  • Open eyelids: A small instrument called a speculum keeps your eye open so you do not have to worry about blinking.
  • Face drape: A light, sterile sheet covers your face with an opening just for the eye being treated.