Introductionback to top 

 

Modern surgical techniques allow many eye operations to be done as day surgical procedures. To fascilitate this and to reduce the risks associated with anaesthetics most eye operations are done awake, under local anaesthesia.

 

 

Local anaesthesiaback to top 

 

There are several techniques for providing local anaesthesia to the eye. These include topical and block anaesthesia. Topical anaesthesia is best suited to superficial operations that do not require the eye to be immobile, some cataract operations are done under topical anaesthesia. More commonly eye surgery is done under a block anaesthetic. This gives excellent pain relief and surgical conditions.

 

 

What will happen on the day of surgery?back to top 

 

You will be admitted to hospital by one of the nurses and dressed for surgery. About this time your anaesthetist will meet with you to discuss any health issues. You will be then placed on a bed and prepared for anaesthesia. Vital signs will be monitored, an oxygen mask applied and an intravenous needle will be inserted. Because the injection of local anaesthetic around the eye may be uncomfortable or upsetting it is common for your anaesthetist to give sedation at this point. Your anaesthetist will then inject the local anaesthetic around your eye. A few minutes later you will wake up, your eye will be numb and taped closed. You will then be taken into the theatre for the operation.

 

After the surgery is finished you will be transported to recovery for a snack and discharge.

 

 

Painback to top 

 

Cataract surgery is not normally painful and a routine dose of paracetamol should settle the pain. If you have severe pain you should contact your surgeon.

 

Some other eye operations may be painful, in these circumstances you may be given a discharge script for pain killers.

 

 

Risks and benefits of local anaesthesia (block)back to top 

 

The advantages include the avoidance of general anaesthesia, rapid emergence, reduced nausea and good post operative pain relief. The risks relate mainly to the injection, these include bleeding, infection or damage to the eye. Minor bruising may occur. Occasional unexpected reactions may occur.