Anesthesia options in cataract surgery

Nurses are in contact with patients who are undergoing cataract surgery throughout each phase of the procedure. These nurses must be aware of the anesthetic techniques patients may receive and be familiar with the anesthetic alternatives currently available for cataract surgery so they are able to counsel patients accurately. This article discusses general anesthesia, retrobulbar and peribulbar anesthesia, topical anesthesia, and combined techniques. Advantages and disadvantages of the different types of anesthesia are reviewed and the procedure for each anesthetic option is explained.