Cataract surgery with oral sedation was quick and easy

I had cataract surgery yesterday, and wanted to share my positive experience in case it helps to put someone else at ease. My surgeon's default practice is oral sedation, and as a nervous Nellie I was concerned about being awake during the procedure. I was given 5 mg of Ativan and felt more relaxed by the time I was in the operating room, but definitely still alert and aware. As others have mentioned, I could clearly hear the doctor's voice telling me to look at the lights and I was aware of movement in the room. All I could see were two bright circles of lights and a little haze of color around them. Nothing scary, nothing coming toward my eye. At some points there was a mild pressure and I felt cool liquid going down my face, but no pain at all.

Bottom line: Oral sedation was just fine. Nothing scary or painful. You'll be finished before you know it.