Cataract surgery is a common outpatient procedure that typically requires the administration of a local anesthetic in addition to systemic sedation. The most popular type of anesthesia used is topical anesthesia, followed by injectable blockades and needle eye block. Needle eye block, also known as retrobulbar block, involves injecting anesthetic medication into the retrobulbar area, the space behind the eyeball. This technique works by blocking the three cranial nerves that influence the movement of the globe and providing sensory anesthesia to the cornea, uvea, and conjunctiva by suppressing the ciliary nerves.
Injectable medications such as lidocaine are also used. General anesthesia is another option for cataract surgery. It is administered through a mask or an IV placed in the vein and causes unconsciousness and slows down many of the body's functions. Some people may experience chills, nausea, or vomiting after undergoing general anesthesia, but these side effects can be managed with help from a doctor.
General anesthesia is often used on young children, people with particular mental and emotional needs, and those who suffer from acute anxiety. Sedatives are also given to help patients relax during the procedure. These medications can be administered orally or by injection or intravenously. Topical anesthesia involves fewer potential hazards than general anesthesia, but it requires patients to remain completely still throughout the procedure. It is important to understand all of the anesthesia options available to you before undergoing cataract surgery.
Your doctor should discuss these options with you during any consultation about cataract surgery and provide information in any patient information booklet. The three main types of anesthesia for cataract surgery are topical (eye drops), subtenonous (injection into the space between the eyeball and its outer covering), and general (sedation given by a doctor). Topical anesthesia is the most commonly used technique in the United Kingdom. Intracameral anesthesia may also be used at the beginning of the operation, which allows patients to stay awake with their eyes open during the procedure. If a patient does not want to be awake for surgery, general anesthesia is used. Modern general anesthesia is very safe, but your general state of health must be taken into account.
If general anesthesia is to be used, you will be pre-evaluated to ensure that it is safe to sleep. If it is believed that the patient would have difficulty tolerating the procedure or that the eye surgeon would not be able to perform the operation as safely as possible, general anesthesia may be considered during consultation. Sedation may also be given as a tablet or infusion of a sedative agent during the procedure. However, some surgeons prefer not to offer this option as it can reduce patient cooperation. Ultimately, it is important to choose an anesthetic that is right for you by consulting with your eye surgeon. The benefits of surgical cataract anesthesia include numbing potential pain and keeping you comfortable during the procedure.
Nearly 10 million cataract surgeries are performed every year around the world, making it one of the most common surgical procedures. Your doctor will work with you to decide on the right dose and level of anesthesia for your individual needs. Most of the risks related to cataract surgery involve complications typical of the surgery itself, such as infection, inflammation, retinal detachment, lens dislocation, loss of vision, or secondary cataract. This type of anesthesia not only makes your eye numb but also prevents you from seeing or moving your eye. All surgical procedures carry some risk but in general, cataract surgery and its associated anesthetics are considered safe.
