Patient perceptions during phacoemulsification cataract surgery: a proposal for routine preoperative patient counselling

Based on the findings of our study, we propose that, in addition to the most common risks relating to the surgery, all patients should be routinely informed about the following experiences at the consent/preoperative counselling stage: bright light including instrument/hand movement noise including 'buzzing and hissing' (phaco machine) and talking the presence of a drape (with air blowing underneath) facial touch including the sensation of water flowing down face.