Name of the Procedure:

Anesthesia for procedures on the eye; ophthalmoscopy
Common name(s): Eye anesthesia, Ophthalmoscopy anesthesia
Medical terms: Ophthalmic anesthesia, Fundoscopy anesthesia

Summary

Anesthesia for procedures on the eye, including ophthalmoscopy, involves numbing the eye to prevent pain and discomfort during detailed examination or surgery of the eye. Ophthalmoscopy specifically refers to a procedure to look inside the eye at the retina and other structures.

Purpose

This procedure addresses the need to examine the internal structures of the eye without causing discomfort to the patient. The goal is to facilitate accurate diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions by allowing a thorough examination while the patient remains comfortable and still.

Indications

• Symptoms such as vision loss, eye pain, or visible abnormalities in the eye
• Conditions like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or retinal detachment
• Patients requiring eye surgery or detailed eye examination

Preparation

• The patient may need to avoid eating or drinking for a specified time before the procedure
• Adjustments to certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the doctor
• Initial eye examinations and possibly imaging tests to assess the eye's condition

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned comfortably in a reclining chair or operating table.
2. Anesthetic eye drops or injections are administered to numb the eye area.
3. An ophthalmoscope or slit-lamp biomicroscope is used to examine the internal structures of the eye.
4. During this time, the patient's eye may be dilated with special drops to allow a better view.
5. The ophthalmologist or eye surgeon performs the examination or surgery using the anesthetized eye.

Duration

The procedure typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, though it can vary depending on the complexity of the examination or surgery.

Setting

• Outpatient clinic
• Hospital
• Surgical center

Personnel

• Ophthalmologist or eye surgeon
• Anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist
• Nursing staff

Risks and Complications

• Common: Mild eye irritation, temporary blurred vision
• Rare: Infection, allergic reaction to anesthesia, increased intraocular pressure, damage to eye structures
• Management: Monitoring and immediate treatment of any adverse reactions

Benefits

• Accurate diagnosis of eye conditions
• Pain-free experience during examination or surgery
• Improved outcomes from timely and precise treatment
• Benefits are generally realized immediately following the procedure

Recovery

• Rest after the procedure, avoiding strenuous activities
• Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and eye health
• Temporary restrictions on activities like driving or reading until eyesight returns to normal
• Apply prescribed eye drops or medications as directed

Alternatives

• Non-anesthetized ophthalmoscopy (appropriate in less invasive cases)
• Imaging tests such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or ultrasound
• The pros and cons can vary but often involve trade-offs in comfort and the level of detail in vision obtainable without anesthesia

Patient Experience

During the procedure, the patient will feel no pain due to the numbing effect of the anesthesia. Post-procedure, they might experience temporary blurred vision and mild discomfort. Pain management can include over-the-counter pain relievers and prescribed eye drops to maintain comfort.