Question: My
mother recently had cataract surgery and is having a difficult time with blood
behind the eye. Her cataract surgeon said he had to use a "block"
on her. What does that mean? I can't find anything on the internet
that talks about a "block' during cataract surgery.
Answer: There are a number of ways in which
cataract surgeons can anesthetize the patient and their eyes for cataract
surgery. Today, rarely if ever is general anesthesia used as the main types of
anesthesia are “topical” or “blocks” when performing routine cataract surgery.
Topical anesthesia is typically achieved by instilling several sets of eye
drops in the eye and the surface of the eye-and in almost all instances some
oral tablets are administered to relax the patient. Blocks can be of several
types including a “retrobulbar block” whereby the anesthetic is placed in the
space behind they eye with a needle, a “regional block” of the areas around the
eye, a “sub-Tenon’s block” or even a combination of anesthesia techniques. All
of the approaches to cataract anesthesia provide adequate pain control, and
serious problems are rare. As a result, the choice of technique usually comes
down to a physician’s preference and comfort level and any concerns or
preferences the patient may have.
Important Note: The information
presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for
information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended
to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including
appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related
to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery or Lens Implants. In particular a response to an
inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to
take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor,
ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any
other means is not a substitute for medical care.
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