Study of Complications in Anaesthesia in Ophthalmology

Background: Cataract is the leading cause of curable blindness, with surgery being the most common ophthalmic procedure in older adults. Anaesthetic options include topical, local, and general techniques, each with distinct risks. This study evaluated anaesthesia-related complications in ophthalmic surgeries at a tertiary care centre in India.  Methods: A prospective study was conducted from June 2023 to May 2025 on 384 patients aged ≥18 years undergoing ophthalmic surgery under topical, local, or general anaesthesia. Data on demographics, anaesthesia type, and complications were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests (p < 0.05).  Result: Most patients were >60 years (62.8%), female (52.6%), and rural residents (68.5%). Local anaesthesia was used in 67.2% of cases, topical in 20.1%, and general in 12.7%. Local anaesthesia caused minor complications, topical mainly mild discomfort, and general rare issues like delayed recovery and nausea.  Conclusions: Local anaesthesia is the preferred and safe choice, topical is a suitable alternative, and general is reserved for select cases.