Ophthalmology surgery

This chapter describes anaesthesia for paediatric ophthalmic cases. Management is generally straightforward, but is not without its problems and complications. Most procedures are day cases, but they may involve children who are unable to comply with tests when awake, children having multiple procedures, or syndromes associated with their ophthalmic condition. Ages range from the neonate to teenagers and involve procedures such as examination under anaesthesia (EUA), squint surgery, cataract surgery (and its complications), nasolacrimal surgery, oculoplastic surgery, and glaucoma surgery. The side effects of ocular drops are discussed, as are the risks of surgery in and around the eye, e.g. the oculocardiac reflex. Also covered are emergencies such as ‘the penetrating eye injury’ scenario.