Ophthalmic Anaesthesia: Advancements and Challenges in a Growing Sub-Specialty

Introduction of the Specialty

Anaesthesiology

Ophthalmic anaesthesia is one of the upcoming sub-specialties in the recent years. The varied age group of patients right from preterm, neonate, to geriatrics with multiple congenital and systemic disorders makes it a very challenging sub specialty.

Ophthalmic surgeries are done under local, topical and/or General anaesthesia. All patients are thoroughly evaluated and optimized if there are any pre-existing systemic disorders like diabetes, hypertension etc. Anesthesiologists ensures that patients are comfortable while undergoing eye surgery under local or topical anaesthesia. While, under general anaesthesia their role is to induce anesthesia smoothly, maintain them lie still throughout surgery and recover from anaesthesia without much straining. All patients’ blood pressure, heart rate, ECG and oxygen saturation level are monitored throughout surgery.

Consultants

Dr Shobha Ravishankar

Director

Chennai

Dr Jaichandran V V

Deputy Director

Chennai

Dr Kannan R

Deputy Director

Facilities Available

Sankara Nethralaya has around 24 operation theatres located at five different complexes.
Each state-of-the-art theatre suite has a preoperative holding area to receive patients undergoing surgery and an ICU to observe patients in the immediate post-operative period.
The operation theatres are well equipped with pipeline Oxygen and Nitrous oxide supply, newer anaesthesia machines, multi parameter monitors, pulse oximeter, radiant and thermal warmers.
All preoperative patients are thoroughly evaluated at the Pre-anaesthetic clinic (PAC).
ICU and the theatre suite has emergency drugs, resuscitation kit, oxygen delivery devices, CPAP circuits, nebuliser and a cardio plus defibrillator.
The ophthalmic subspecialities attended include Vitro-retinal (preterm to adult cataract (peaditric and adult), Glaucoma (peadiatric and adult), Oculoplasty and Aesthetic procedures, corneal and emergency surgeries ( 24 hours ).
OT complexes are equipped with video laryngoscopes and fiberoptic intubation equipment’s to deal patients with difficult airway.
We also have a dedicated Rapid Response Team and Code blue team readily available to handle medical emergencies during the working hours.