Anesthesia Cataract surgery is mostly performed using a gentle but effective local or topical anesthetic. This requires an injection near the eye / drops on the eye to achieve the required level of anesthesia for the procedure. As it may still be possible to feel both pressure and temperature changes, patients are given conscious sedation to help them relax throughout the procedure. This is given through injection. General anesthesia is used in special circumstances and only considered in cases where the benefits far outweigh the risks. All types of surgery have certain risks and possible complications associated with the anesthesia or adverse reaction to the medications administered. This is not limited to the eye itself, but in severe cases it could cause brain damage or even death. It is impossible to discuss all possible complications in detail as it is an unending list. (Complications associated with anesthesia may be discussed with the anesthetist on the day of the surgery. It is important to inform the eye specialist and anesthesiologist of any medical conditions or medications currently applicable). Options with regards to anesthesia: Topical anesthesia: Drops are put in the eye to numb the front surface of the eye (with or without sedation). This necessitates complete co-operation and is only considered in certain patients. Local anesthesia: An injection is given around the eye to numb the surface and muscles of the eye and the surrounding part of the face (with or without sedation). General anesthesia: The patient is put in a complete state of anesthesia and artificial ventilation is required (a machine breathes for you). This is only considered when no other method of anesthesia can be tolerated. Please note: The anesthetist used for the procedure in the hospital, their protocols and their billing policies does not form part of the practice of Dr. MC Niemandt. All issues, complications and billing queries arising from the anesthesia used should be directed to the individual anesthetist (or group they form part of).
Anesthesia Cataract surgery is mostly performed using a gentle but effective local or topical anesthetic. This requires an injection near the eye / drops on the eye to achieve the required level of anesthesia for the procedure. As it may still be possible to feel both pressure and temperature changes, patients are given conscious sedation to help them relax throughout the procedure. This is given through injection. General anesthesia is used in special circumstances and only considered in cases where the benefits far outweigh the risks. All types of surgery have certain risks and possible complications associated with the anesthesia or adverse reaction to the medications administered. This is not limited to the eye itself, but in severe cases it could cause brain damage or even death. It is impossible to discuss all possible complications in detail as it is an unending list. (Complications associated with anesthesia may be discussed with the anesthetist on the day of the surgery. It is important to inform the eye specialist and anesthesiologist of any medical conditions or medications currently applicable). Options with regards to anesthesia: Topical anesthesia: Drops are put in the eye to numb the front surface of the eye (with or without sedation). This necessitates complete co-operation and is only considered in certain patients. Local anesthesia: An injection is given around the eye to numb the surface and muscles of the eye and the surrounding part of the face (with or without sedation). General anesthesia: The patient is put in a complete state of anesthesia and artificial ventilation is required (a machine breathes for you). This is only considered when no other method of anesthesia can be tolerated. Please note: The anesthetist used for the procedure in the hospital, their protocols and their billing policies does not form part of the practice of Dr. MC Niemandt. All issues, complications and billing queries arising from the anesthesia used should be directed to the individual anesthetist (or group they form part of).