Name of the Procedure:

Anesthesia for procedures on eye; iridectomy
Common name(s): Eye surgery anesthesia for iridectomy, Eye anesthesia for glaucoma surgery
Technical/Medical terms: Ophthalmic anesthesia for iridectomy

Summary

Anesthesia for an iridectomy involves administering medication to prevent pain during surgery that removes part of the iris. This type of eye surgery is usually done to treat certain eye conditions, particularly glaucoma.

Purpose

Medical Condition: Glaucoma or other conditions causing increased intraocular pressure or iris abnormalities.
Goals/Outcomes: To provide a pain-free surgical experience, facilitate smooth and effective surgical performance, and ensure patient comfort and safety during the iridectomy.

Indications

Symptoms/Conditions: Elevated intraocular pressure, narrow angle glaucoma, iris tumors, or other structural problems within the iris.
Patient Criteria: Patients diagnosed with glaucoma or other iris-related abnormalities who require surgical intervention.

Preparation

Pre-Procedure Instructions:

• Fasting for a specified period, generally 6-8 hours before the procedure.
• Adjusting current medications as advised by the healthcare provider.
• Arranging for transportation post-procedure due to potential impairment from anesthesia.

Diagnostic Tests:

• Comprehensive eye examination.
• Blood tests to ensure general health and suitability for anesthesia.
• Potential imaging tests like OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) if required.

Procedure Description

1. Preparation: The patient arrives at the surgical center, undergoes final pre-op assessments, and is prepped for surgery.
2. Anesthesia Administration: Depending on the type of anesthesia chosen (local, regional, or general anesthesia), medication is administered:
   • Local Anesthesia: Eye drops to numb the eye.
   • Regional Anesthesia: Injection near the eye to block sensation in and around the eye.
   • General Anesthesia: For more extensive surgeries or patient comfort, where the patient is put to sleep.
3. Surgical Procedure: The iridectomy is then performed by the ophthalmic surgeon using specialized microsurgical instruments under a microscope.

Tools/Equipment: Microscopic tools, surgical microscope, anesthesia equipment (syringe, IV lines, monitoring devices).

Duration

The entire procedure, including anesthesia administration, typically takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Setting

The procedure is usually performed in an outpatient surgery center, hospital, or specialized ophthalmic surgical facility.

Personnel

• Ophthalmic Surgeon
• Anesthesiologist or Nurse Anesthetist
• Surgical Nurses
• Technicians

Risks and Complications

Common Risks: Temporary discomfort, blurred vision post-procedure, allergic reactions to anesthesia.
Rare Complications: Increased intraocular pressure, infection, bleeding, adverse reactions to anesthesia, or damage to surrounding eye structures.
Management: Close monitoring post-procedure, medications to manage discomfort or complications, immediate medical attention for serious complications.

Benefits

Expected Benefits: Relief from symptoms like pain and vision impairment caused by glaucoma, prevention of optic nerve damage, and preservation of vision. Benefits are typically realized shortly after recovery, with significant improvement in symptoms.

Recovery

Post-Procedure Care:

• Use of prescribed eye drops or medications.
• Avoiding strenuous activity and protecting the eye from injury or infection.
• Attending follow-up appointments to monitor recovery and eye health.

Recovery Time: Generally, a few days to a week, with specific activity restrictions as advised by the surgeon.

Alternatives

Other Treatment Options:

• Medications to lower intraocular pressure.
• Laser procedures like laser iridotomy.
• Monitoring without immediate intervention in mild cases.

Pros and Cons of Alternatives:

• Medications: Less invasive but may not be as effective long-term.
• Laser Procedures: Less invasive but could be less effective for certain conditions.
• Monitoring: Non-invasive but doesn’t address the underlying structural issues.

Patient Experience

During the Procedure: Depending on anesthesia type, the patient may feel pressure or be completely unaware of the surgery (under general anesthesia).
Post-Procedure: Some discomfort and visual disturbances are expected. Pain is generally manageable with prescribed medications and eye drops. The patient should arrange for someone to drive them home and follow post-procedure instructions carefully.