ANESTHESIA FOR OPHTHALMIC SURGERY: PERIOPERATIVE CONSIDERATIONS

ABSTRACT

The use of anesthesia during ophthalmic surgery is crucial for ensuring patient comfort and safety. Different types of ophthalmic surgeries require different types of anesthesia techniques. Cataract surgery is the most performed ophthalmic surgery and is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation, while glaucoma surgery can be performed using local or general anesthesia depending on the complexity of the procedure. The use of local anesthesia can reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) and is associated with fewer postoperative complications compared to general anesthesia. Three ophthalmic reexes, the oculocardiac, oculorespiratory, and oculoemetic reexes, should be recognized by the anesthesiologist. Appropriate prophylaxis and treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting are essential for patients undergoing ophthalmic surgery.