Name of the Procedure:

Anesthesia for procedures on eye; lens surgery
Common name(s): Eye Anesthesia for Cataract Surgery, Ocular Anesthesia

Summary

Eye anesthesia for lens surgery involves numbing the eye to prevent pain during procedures like cataract surgery. It typically uses local or regional anesthesia, allowing patients to remain comfortable and pain-free.

Purpose

The anesthesia ensures that the patient does not feel pain during eye surgery, promoting ease and precision during the operation. It addresses conditions that require surgical intervention on the lens, like cataracts.

Indications

• Presence of cataracts causing vision impairment.
• Conditions like lens dislocation.
• Patients experiencing decreased quality of life due to vision problems.
• Clear lens extraction for high refractive errors.

Preparation

• Patients might need to fast for a few hours before the procedure.
• Adjustments to certain medications, especially anticoagulants, may be necessary.
• Pre-operative assessment including blood tests and an ophthalmologic examination.

Procedure Description

1. Pre-operative checks are done.
2. Numbing eye drops are instilled.
3. An injection or additional drops are administered to ensure complete anesthesia.
4. The surgical site is prepped and draped.
5. Surgery is performed while the patient remains awake but comfortable, often with mild sedation.

Duration

The entire process, including preparation and recovery from anesthesia, typically takes 1-2 hours.

Setting

Outpatient surgery centers or hospital operating rooms.

Personnel

• Ophthalmic surgeon
• Anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist
• Surgical nurse
• Ophthalmic assistant

Risks and Complications

• Bruising or bleeding at the injection site
• Infection
• Rarely, adverse reactions to anesthesia
• Possible vision changes or discomfort

Benefits

• Pain-free surgical experience
• High success rate in improving vision
• Rapid functional recovery, usually within a few days

Recovery

• Patients often go home the same day.
• Use prescribed eye drops.
• Avoid strenuous activities and eye-rubbing.
• Follow-up appointments for monitoring recovery.

Alternatives

• General anesthesia, though rarely used for lens surgery.
• Non-surgical options for very early or minor lens changes.
• Risks and benefits of these alternatives vary and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Patient Experience

• Patients might feel pressure but no sharp pain.
• Mild sedation keeps the patient relaxed.
• Post-operative period includes minimal discomfort, managed with prescribed medications.