Examination of eyes under anaesthetic

Children may need to have eye examinations under anaesthetic  because they are unable to lie still while awake for an eye examination. The most common reasons for an anaesthetic are

• Checking of eye pressures (to rule out glaucoma)
• fitting of contact lenses
• examining the eye for disease or abnormality
• assessing the need for spectacles.

Length of hospital stay

It is not normally necessary for your child to stay in hospital overnight.

Preparation for surgery

Your child will be given eye drops before going to theatre. This will dilate the pupil to enable the eye to be examined.

Your child's anaesthetist will meet with you and your child before the operation to outline the type of anaesthesia to be used, and will welcome any questions you  have.

A premedication may be ordered at this time. This usually takes the form of a medicine to be swallowed that will provide pain relief, sedation or both. If it is planned to start the anaesthesia by injection, local anaesthetic cream can be put on at this time to numb the area of skin where the intravenous needle/drip is to be put in.

Length of procedure

Your child will be away from you for approximately 30-45 minutes.

After surgery

The eye doctor will review your child prior to discharge to discuss the results.  Your child will need to stay in Day Surgery for approximately 1 - 2 hours after surgery but may need to stay a little longer.

Pain relief

Paracetamol (panadol) is usually not required.

Diet and fluids

There is no need for a special diet following this procedure, but it is recommended your child not eat greasy foods as these may cause vomiting. Do not be concerned if your child vomits once or twice after leaving hospital, but if they are unable to keep fluids down and continue to vomit, please contact your family doctor.

Discharge care

Some redness of the eyes is normal.  Your child's eyes may be sensitive to bright light for up to 12 hours after the procedure because of their dilated pupils.  If Fluorescein (a yellow dye) is used your child may have a yellow staining of the skin around the eye and some yellow nasal discharge.

Follow up appointments

Your nurse or doctor will discuss follow up appointments with you.

Return to school and sport

Your child should be ready to return to school and sport the day after surgery.

If you have any concerns after discharge please telephone the Paediatric Day Unit (08) 8161 7448, Monday - Friday, 7.30am - 6.30pm, or see your Family Doctor.

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