Ask an Eye M.D. Answer Archive
Question:
Is it necessary to have a general anesthetic for cataract surgery?
Answer:
General anesthesia is very uncommon in cataract surgery and is reserved for patients with unusual coexisting conditions such as restless leg, uncontrollable body motions, and severe anxiety. Most cataract surgery is performed with monitored local anesthesia in which the patient is awake and pain free throughout the cataract surgery.
Answered by: Wayne Bizer, DO
Categories: Cataracts, Eye Surgery
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