28/11/2025
Ophthalmology stands out among surgical branches due to several unique aspects, particularly concerning patient comfort, surgeon posture, speed of procedures, and perioperative routines.
1.Surgeons Sit During Surgeries
Ophthalmic surgeries, such as cataract extraction and laser eye procedures, are usually performed with the surgeon seated, allowing for precision in the delicate operating field of the eye.
2. Patients Are Awake and Conscious
For the majority of ophthalmic procedures—including cataract and most laser surgeries—patients are awake but comfortable, thanks to local or topical anesthesia and sometimes mild sedation. This approach minimizes the risks associated with general anesthesia and enables communication with the patient throughout the surgery.
3.Nil Per Oral (NPO) Guidelines Are Flexible
Unlike other surgical branches that require patients to fast (be "nil per oral") for 4-6 hours preoperatively (to reduce the aspiration risk with general anesthesia), ophthalmology often operates under local anesthesia, lessening or sometimes eliminating the need for strict fasting protocols for minor, quick procedures.
4.Quick Procedures
Many common ophthalmic procedures, such as cataract extraction or LASIK, are very brief—sometimes as little as 15 minutes—making them among the fastest surgeries performed in medicine.
5. Walk-in, Walk-out Model
Ophthalmic surgeries are typically outpatient procedures. Patients can walk in for surgery and walk out soon after, with minimal recovery time needed in a clinic or hospital. This high turnover reflects the safety and efficiency of modern eye surgery.
These features make ophthalmology a branch where both the patient and the surgeon experience convenience, safety, and remarkable clinical outcomes, all in an efficient setting.
