Does one need sedative? Or numbing and topical ok

It was a year ago aND i JUST GOT THE SIMPLE LENSE THAT MEDICARE PAYS FOR. yES, DOCTOR TALKED ME THROUGH IT. iT WAS FASCINATING. hE SAID AT ONE POINT - i AM GOING TO BREAK UP THE CATARACT. nOW i AM REMOVING ONE PIECE, 2 MORE TO GO. sO INTERESTING AND i COULD SEE LIGHTS, BUT NOTHING ELSE, and hear everything.

Sorry about caps.

I had cataracts removed from both eyes approximately a year and a half ago (couple of months apart). I had only topical numbing drops. My doctor said that he would give me valium if I wanted it, but he assured me that I really didn't need it (and he was right). He didn't tell me what he was doing during the procedure, and I really didn't want him to. He and his assistants mostly talked among themselves about things that had nothing to do with the surgery. I never felt any pain during or after surgery. I don't remember my head being covered. I know that there was some type of tape to keep my head from moving and there was something used to keep my eye open. All I remember seeing was a bright light. Note: I'm not a naturally calm person. It probably helped that I had thoroughly researched my doctor and felt confidant that he knew what he was doing. I had also thoroughly researched cataract surgery. Good luck.

I am a ways off from having my surgery, but I was given a copy of "On the Day of the Surgery" instructions from the surgeon. They read:

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"The anaesthetist will ask you if you want sedation medication -- Take It." It isn't natural to have someone put sharp things in your eye while fully awake. Some patients think they can "tough it out", but it is easier for both of us if you accept the help. I personally wouldn't have this surgery without sedation."

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I have not even made my mind up about exactly which lens I will ask for, but I immediately made up my mind about taking the sedation. If the surgeon says it makes it easier for him to do a good job, I am going to be the very last one to disagree with him. The basic steps to take the natural lens out, and insert a new one seems pretty straightforward. However, getting the lens in exactly the right position without damaging the eye or the lens is not so easy. Precision, especially with a toric lens, is critical.

I did both (IV for first, just local for second). Preferred the sedative because i was white knuckled during the whole second surgery. There is no pain but it was just super stressful. I did recover faster (took me a day or two to shake the sedative after the first) but boy was it a wild experience. Valium or similar, in place of an IV, might me a nice middle ground.

Probably too late, but if not... I just had drops, and promise it was fine, no pain. Any stress is psychological not physical pain. I asked the surgeon not to tell what what he was doing, we even had a joke about it when the three lights disappeared half way through. I stopped myself thinking about it by imagining I was walking my dog by the sea... Just made a compete idiot of myself at the end when I asked if they'd put my glasses on and they said no, and it only then dawned on me the shield was clear and I was seeing through the new eye... Miraculous really, hope it goes / went well..