A 39-year-old member asked:
Can i do the cataract eye surgery in a hospital under general anesthesia?
5 doctor answers • 13 doctors weighed in
Dr. George Yanganswered
Ophthalmology 29 years experience
Yes: But it is much more common to have it under local anesthesia. The procedure is so fast that it'll take longer to get you under general and to wake up from it, than the surgery itself. If you are nervous, there are plenty of options to make you comfortable while still using local anesthesia. Ultimately, confidence and trust in your cataract surgeon are critical to alleviating anxiety.
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Dr. Marc Bloomanswered
Anesthesiology 46 years experience
Perhaps: Most people do not need general anesthesia for cataract surgery. Most of the time local anesthesia plus some sedation so you don't care is best. Some medical conditions and some very nervous people may get general anesthesia, but that should be discussed well-ahead of time with both the surgeon and an anesthesiologist.
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Dr. Richard Pollardanswered
Anesthesiology 32 years experience
Yes, but.: This technique is rarely used. Most times the eye doctor will use a local anesthetic on the eye, while the anesthesiologist will use a small amount of sedation.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
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Dr. Tod Halleranswered
Ophthalmology 18 years experience
Yes: Yes it can be done, but it is very rarely used. Usually local anesthesia is used with sedation, but for some people who can not stay still or get extremely confused, they can often be done with general anesthesia. The risk of general anesthesia is usually not worth it compared to sedation except in rare situations.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Alan Mindlinanswered
52 years experience
Yes: In addition there are people who have a problem with any local or topical anesthesia. Discuss this with your surgeon tp avoid potential problems.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated May 18, 2016
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