Can you have laser eye surgery done under sedation?
I have experience of dental treatment under sedation, not full general anaesthesia, but just IV sedation. I was wondering if sedation is ever used in laser eye surgery, as I would like to have it, but I’m not sure if I could bring myself to go ahead with it. I would be most appreciative of any advice
FMJ posted: 01 Mar at 5:23 am
Many years ago, we used to give people Valium. However, 5mg of Valium has absolutely no effect on the body other than psychological - so most of us don’t tend to bother.
As far as stronger sedatives are concerned, the answer is definitely NO. You cannot be put under GA for example. The tracking system on a laser requires an un-dilated pupil. If you are on any form of anaesthesia or drug, your pupil dilates beyond what a tracking system can track. Secondly, your eye muscles do not allow the eye to maintain relative direction or motionless. We also need you to respond to direction immediately during the procedure.
Speak to people who have had the treatment done. Most people’s biggest fear is the loss of control - this is a bit like flying, you have to trust the pilot/surgeon to get you to your destination.
Remember to breathe while you are in surgery!
Footprintz posted: 01 Mar at 5:23 am
They give you a demarol or something similar , but that’s all.
The whole process takes about 1 minute and it is painless so there is no need for sedation.
umdbhik posted: 01 Mar at 5:23 am
Actually, they don’t give demerol, but do give a low dose valium, and that is primarily to assist you with sleeping after the procedure.