Local anaesthesia for ocular surgery

Cataract surgery is routinely performed under local anaesthesia. With modern surgical techniques, adequate operating conditions can often be provided by topical anaesthesia alone. For more complex procedures and for prolonged operations such as vitreo-retinal surgery a local block is required. Historically, the sharp needle techniques of retrobulbar and peribulbar eye block have been used. However, the occurrence of rare but sight-threatening complications such as retrobulbar haemorrhage and globe perforation have led to the adoption of the technique of sub-Tenon’s block, which avoids the use of sharp needles. A thorough knowledge of ocular anatomy is essential before proceeding with any eye block technique. Patients who receive local anaesthesia for ocular surgery require careful preoperative assessment and stabilization of concomitant medical conditions. The intended procedure should be explained to the patient to ensure their cooperation and reduce anxiety.