Anaesthesia for eye surgery
Most eye operations are done with the eye numbed and medicine to help you relax. Here is what to expect, who looks after you, and how the anaesthetist's fee works.
Your anaesthetic, step by step
A specialist anaesthetist stays with you for the whole operation, checking your breathing, heart and comfort. Most eye surgery uses a combination of the following.
Numbing drops
Used for every eye operation, to numb the surface of the eye before anything else is done.
Local anaesthetic block
An injection beside the eye, given after you are relaxed with sedation. It numbs the eye completely and stops it moving. Dr Weaver almost always uses it for cataract surgery, as well as for vitrectomy and retinal surgery.
Sedation
Medicine through a drip in your hand or arm that makes you calm and drowsy. You keep breathing on your own and can still hear and respond. Many people remember little or nothing of the operation.
General anaesthetic
You are fully asleep. It is used occasionally, for example for some complex retinal operations, eye injuries, or people who cannot lie still. Your anaesthetist will discuss whether you need it.
Which anaesthetic for which operation?
This is the usual approach. Your anaesthetist and Dr Weaver will plan what suits you, taking into account your health and the operation.
| Operation | Usual anaesthetic |
|---|---|
| Cataract surgery | Sedation and a local anaesthetic block |
| Vitrectomy and retinal surgery | Local anaesthetic block and sedation; occasionally a general anaesthetic |
| Scleral buckle | Local anaesthetic block and sedation, or a general anaesthetic |
| Pterygium surgery | Local anaesthetic and light sedation |
| Lens exchange or dislocated lens surgery | Local anaesthetic block and sedation |
| Eye injections and laser in the rooms | Numbing drops (and a small local injection for eye injections); no anaesthetist needed |
Getting ready
- Eating and drinking: no food for 6 hours before surgery. Sips of water are fine until 2 hours before. If you use a weekly diabetes or weight-loss injection, have clear fluids only for the 24 hours before surgery. Follow any different instructions the hospital gives you, as surgery may be cancelled if you eat or drink too close to the operation.
- Your usual medicines: keep taking them unless you are told otherwise. Bring a list, or the packets, on the day.
- Blood thinners: tell us if you take any. Do not stop them unless Dr Weaver or the doctor who prescribed them advises you to.
- Diabetes and weight-loss medicines: some tablets and injections need to be paused before surgery, so tell us early.
- Getting home: arrange an adult to take you home and stay with you overnight. You must not drive for 24 hours after sedation.
- Transport: Miami Private Hospital offers a transport service to and from surgery for insured patients in selected areas, usually Northern NSW. Ask our rooms whether you are eligible.
The anaesthetist's fee
The anaesthetist bills separately from Dr Weaver. Medicare and your health fund pay part of the fee, and there may be an out-of-pocket gap. Dr Weaver's known gap arrangement covers his own fee only.
Ask your anaesthetist's rooms for a written estimate before surgery. Some anaesthetists also offer known gap or no-gap billing with certain health funds.
The anaesthetists
Dr Weaver works with a small team of specialist anaesthetists (Fellows of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists) at Miami Private Hospital, Pacific Private Hospital and Tweed Day Surgery. You will be told who your anaesthetist is when your surgery is booked, and they or their rooms may contact you beforehand. Details of the regular team will be added here soon.
Common questions about anaesthesia
Will I be awake?
With sedation you are drowsy and relaxed but not fully asleep, so you can follow simple instructions such as keeping still. Many people remember little or nothing afterwards. A general anaesthetic, where you are fully asleep, is used occasionally.
Will I feel or see the operation?
The eye is completely numbed, so it should not hurt. You may feel gentle pressure or water on the eye, and see bright light and shapes, but you will not see the instruments clearly.
Is the anaesthetic fee included in Dr Weaver's fee?
No. The anaesthetist sends a separate bill. Medicare and your health fund pay part of it, and there may be a gap. Ask your anaesthetist for an estimate before surgery.
Can I drive home?
No. After sedation or a general anaesthetic you must not drive, sign legal documents or make important decisions for 24 hours. Arrange an adult to take you home and stay with you overnight.
Talk to Dr Weaver about your eyes
A referral from your GP or optometrist is needed to claim Medicare rebates. Our team can help with bookings at Robina and Tweed Heads.