Anesthesia is used to eliminate the pain felt during a procedure. For this procedure, the two most commonly used anesthetics are topical and local.

With topical anesthesia, a series of numbing eye drops are placed into the eye. You may also receive medicine through your IV that makes you feel relaxed or sleepy during the procedure.

Another option is local anesthesia. With this type of anesthesia, a series of numbing eye drops are placed into the eye. Medicine may then be given to you through your IV to temporarily make you sleepy. Then numbing medicine will be injected behind your eye.

You will talk to your doctor prior to the surgery, and any questions or concerns you have regarding the choice or effects of the anesthesia can be discussed at that time.