Vitreoretinal Anesthesia

Vitreoretinal surgery has evolved with anesthesia techniques, transitioning from primarily using general anesthesia to utilizing local anesthesia and one day surgery. The choice of anesthesia is influenced by patient factors, surgical complexity, surgeon experience, and patient preferences. This review explores anesthesia options in vitreoretinal surgery, including general anesthesia, retrobulbar/peribulbar and sub-Tenon blocks. Each technique has advantages, drawbacks, and complications that are discussed. The use of sedation and addressing patient anxiety through communication are highlighted. Key complications including oculocardiac reflex, Valsalva-induced suprachoroidal hemorrhage, and venous embolism are examined in this chapter.