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Dr. Jackson,
First, I thank you for taking a moment to answer my question. I am having a cornea transplant, (my second) and my Dr. prefers to put his patients to sleep during the procedure. I've never been "under", or fully put to sleep for any procedure until now. Can you please tell me how it is that while I am asleep under general anesthetic that my eye is unable to see when they prop it open to perform the surgery? I am a bit nervous about this, and the though of being able to see terrifies me.
Hi Mark
Now that's an interesting question. Sight is one of the senses and like all the senses it is affected by anaesthesia. General anaesthesia numbs all the senses though interestingly hearing is probably the last to be affected. When you are under general anaesthesia the area of the brain that deals with the information from your eyes is affected. So even if your eye is propped open you will not see. So please don't worry and I hope that the graft goes well - I know it can make such a difference to your life.
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Dr. Jackson, Thank you for putting my concerns at rest. The first corneal graft I had I was awake for. I was only put to sleep while they administered the local. After that, I was alert and relaxed while they cut and stitched up my eye :) The medicine they used for the local created a block of some sort, so I couldn't see anything, just shadows. That Dr has since passed away, and my new Dr prefers for his patients to be under so as to eliminate any chances for movement. I hope it all goes well too. I'm just eager to have sight again in my right eye. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based
Expertise
I am a Consultant Anaesthetist in the UK. My interests include ambulatory or day surgery, obstetric anaesthesia and analgesia, acute pain management (use of epidurals and patient controlled analgesia)anaesthesia for surgery on the airway, orthopaedics and most things except brains and hearts. Interest in prehospital care of trauma and provision of medical cover at motorsport events.
Experience
Organizations
European Society of Regional Anaesthesia
British Association of Day Surgery
Obstetric Anaesthetists Association
Association of Anaesthetists
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