Anaesthesia for eye surgery

For many eye operations, you remain awake while drops or an injection around the eye numb it; sometimes sedation or general anaesthesia is more appropriate. Discuss blood thinners, difficulty lying flat, breathlessness and anxiety beforehand, and immediately report pain, nausea, breathlessness or a strong urge to move during the procedure.

• It can be normal to experience bright light, touch, water, sounds, shadows, movement or pressure without sharp pain.
• After an injection, the eyelid and eye may feel heavy, numb or temporarily unable to move for hours, and double vision may occur while the anaesthetic works.
• Follow only your individual fasting instructions; eating may sometimes be allowed with local anaesthesia alone, but sedation or general anaesthesia may require different rules.
• Never stop blood thinners or other medicines yourself. Ask for written instructions on which medicines to take or omit on each day.
• Call before the day of surgery for fever, new respiratory symptoms, a skin or eye infection, changes to blood thinners or unclear fasting instructions.
• For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.