What kinds of anesthetic are used?
Most laser treatments for glaucoma need anesthetic that is applied to the eye (topical local anesthetic). For some surgeries, the anesthetic may instead be injected behind or around the eyeball (retrobulbar or peribulbar anesthesia). In many eye procedures done today, peribulbar anesthesia is used more often than retrobulbar anesthesia. General anesthetic, which puts you to sleep, is not often needed for eye surgery. Injected anesthetics and general anesthetic can both have dangerous side effects, although these side effects are rare. To prevent dangerous side effects from anesthetics, topical local anesthetic is used whenever possible. What are the risks of surgery? The risks vary for each type of surgery or laser treatment. See the Surgery Choices section of this topic. Will I have pain after surgery? After most procedures for glaucoma, there is only mild discomfort. Severe pain after surgery for glaucoma may be a sign of complications. Will I be able to stop using eyedrops for glauc
