What anesthetic are you put under for cataract surgery?

Local anesthesia: Cataract surgery is almost always done with the patient awake. The ophthalmologist will put anesthetic eye drops in the eye, and sometimes may do an injection for a retrobulbar nerve block. The anesthesiologist may give some mild sedation to help the person relax and lie still comfortably. General anesthesia, or being put under, is not necessary for cataract surgery.

Mild: Usually mild conscious sedation. Using one or a combination of fentanyl or versed.

Anesthesia: Most surgeons utilize conscious sedation with a combination of medications for cataract surgery. I perform 99% of my cataract surgeries with topical anesthesia and versed intravenously.