Anaesthesia for Cataract Surgery
Topical Anaesthesia:
Some patients do not like the idea of any type of injection near their eyes, but are not so nervous that they would require a full general anaesthetic. For these patients topical anaesthesia is ideal. The surface of the eye is first made numb with drops and once the operation begins additional anaesthetic is infused in front of the iris. A potential disadvantage is that the patient can find the microscope light very bright, and can find it difficult to keep their eye still. An advantage is the speed of recovery and there should be less risk of a red eye after the operation.
Subtenons:
Subtenons anaesthetic is a very popular technique in the UK. There are no sharp needles, the technique is very effective and very comfortable for the patient. The only disadvantage is that the technique usually gives a red eye post operatively.
Sedation:
Both subtenons and topical anaesthesia can be made even more comfortable and relaxing by the addition of intravenous sedation.
General Anaesthetic:
A full GA is only very rarely required for cataract surgery. Some patients have difficulty in lying still, and some are simply so nervous that they request sedation to the level that is effectively a general anaesthetic. So long as you have a healthy throat, heart and lungs a modern anaesthetic is very safe.