Yes, while loss of eyesight is rare under a general anaesthetic, it is a potential, though uncommon, complication.
Although general anesthesia is a safe and standard medical procedure, severe vision loss after non-eye surgery requiring general anesthesia is a rare event. It's important to understand the specific ways this complication can potentially occur during a procedure.
How Anesthesia Might Affect Eyesight
According to medical information, vision loss associated with general anesthesia can happen due to several factors related to the surgical process itself rather than just the anesthetic drugs.
Potential causes include:
- Excessive pressure on the eyeball: This can occur if the eye is not properly protected or if positioning during surgery puts pressure on the eye.
- Inadequate blood supply to the eye: Reduced blood flow (ischemia) to the optic nerve or retina during surgery can cause damage.
- Tiny clots in blood vessels to the eye: Small blockages in the blood vessels supplying the eye structures can interrupt necessary blood flow.
These issues can sometimes lead to conditions like ischemic optic neuropathy, which affects the optic nerve and can result in partial or complete vision loss.
Factors That May Increase Risk
Certain pre-existing medical conditions can make an individual more susceptible to these rare complications affecting eyesight during or after surgery with general anesthesia.
Increased risks are associated with conditions such as:
- Diabetes: Can affect blood vessels throughout the body, including the eyes.
- Stroke: Indicates underlying vascular issues.
- High blood pressure: Also relates to vascular health and blood flow regulation.
Surgeons and anesthesiologists are aware of these potential risks and take precautions, especially with patients who have these risk factors. Proper patient positioning and monitoring during long surgeries are key preventive measures.
In conclusion, while extremely uncommon, damage leading to eyesight loss is a recognized, albeit rare, risk associated with general anesthesia, stemming primarily from issues like pressure on the eye, blood supply disruption, or clotting, with certain health conditions increasing susceptibility.
