Examination of eyes under anaesthesia

Department of Ophthalmology

Download leaflet

Examination of Eyes Under Anaesthesia (224kB pdf)

Who is this leaflet for?

This leaflet is for parents / caregivers of children who are due to undergo an examination of their eyes under anaesthesia (EUA).

What is an EUA?

Examination of eyes under anaesthesia (EUA), also referred to examination of eyes under general anaesthesia (EUGA), is a procedure that allows the eye doctor (Ophthalmologist) to examine your childs’ eyes, and/or eye socket, whilst they are asleep. This allows for a more detailed examination of your child which would not be possible in a clinic setting, and which would provide more answers with regards to your child’s eye health.

Why does my child need an EUA?

There are many reasons why a child might require an EUA. The commonest reason is because your doctor has not been able to complete a satisfactory examination of their eyes in clinic. Other reasons include:

Obtain accurate measurements which was not possible in clinic, such as refraction
Monitoring of the eyes due to a known condition/ or following on from surgery
Planning for further surgery, either at the same time or a later date
To document changes in the eyes to help with future monitoring

What does an EUA involve?

All EUAs are performed under general anaesthetic, where the child is given medication to get them to sleep. This is performed by an anaesthetist, a doctor with specialist training.

The duration of the EUA will depend upon the assessments that need to be carried. The following assessments, though not necessarily all, will be performed:

Measurements of the size of the eye, including the cornea
Measurement of the curvature of the cornea
Eye pressure (known as intraocular pressure)
Examination of the front of the eye
Examination of the back of the eye, including the lens
Photographs of various structures of the eye
Refraction (calculating any glasses prescription)
Ultrasound of the eye (B-Scan)
Measurement of the length of the eye (A-Scan)

The EUA may be combined with another procedure. Your doctor will discuss this with you prior to the EUA. Very rarely an urgent procedure may need to be performed at the same time. Your doctor will discuss this with you on the day, and proceed with treatment only if you provide consent.

What happens with the findings?

The findings of the EUA forms a part of your child’s medical records, and will be used to determine the next steps. Your doctor will discuss this with you at the end of the procedure.

Any photographs taken will be used in the management of your childs’ eyes, and form part of the medical records. Occasionally we use these photographs for teaching purposes or for publications in medical journals. In such circumstances all images are anonymised so your child can not be identified. If you would prefer for the photographs not to be used in such circumstances, then please do let your doctor know.

What will happen if we decide not to have the EUA?

If you would prefer not to go ahead with the EUA then please let your doctor know. Your doctor will explain the reason for the EUA. Occasionally it may be felt that we can keep your child under close observation. However, if your doctor has any concerns then they will discuss that with you.

What will happen before the EUA?

The operation will be discussed in detail in clinic, including the reason for the EUA and what will be done. This will include any risks or possible complications of the operation. You will be asked to read and sign a consent form after having the opportunity to ask any questions.

What are the risks and possible complications of surgery?

The risks of an EUA are extremely limited. Occasionally your child may have a mild red eye for approximately 24 hours. Drops are used to dilate the eyes to have a look at the eye in more detail; the eyes may remain dilated for a day or so.

Very rarely your child may have a sore eye because it may be dry. This usually resolves by itself but drops may be required if it lasts for more than 2 days.

If other procedures are going to take place at the same time, your doctor will go through the risks and benefits of the associated procedure(s).

What should I expect after surgery?

After the EUA, your doctor will discuss the relevant findings and the likely next steps. There is no after care required, though the doctor may prescribe treatments depending on the results of the examination. Please use these treatments as prescribed.

Any follow-up appointments will be requested, and you will be contacted for this.

This leaflet only gives general information. You must always discuss the individual treatment of your child with the appropriate member of staff. Do not rely on this leaflet alone for information about your child’s treatment.

This information can be made available in other languages and formats if requested.