Anesthesia in Office-Based Surgery (Class A)

No airway instrumentation or general anesthetics.

Minimal grogginess and quick discharge.

Streamlined equipment and staffing.

A familiar, calm environment.

Aligns with accreditation standards.

Eliminates the patient anesthesia professional fee.

Anesthesia is limited to topical, local, or infiltration techniques with optional minimal sedation. Patients retain protective reflexes and maintain independent ventilation and cardiovascular function. General anesthesia, deep sedation, and regional orbital blocks are not part of Class A.

• Cataract extraction with IOL implantation
• MIGS and glaucoma procedures
• Pterygium and superficial corneal surgery
• Eyelid and oculoplastic procedures
• Minor retinal or laser interventions

Most patients feel pressure but no pain, remain calm and cooperative, and typically discharge within 30 to 60 minutes after surgery.

Topical or local anesthesia ± minimal sedation, with the patient awake and self-ventilating. Typical setting: an office-based suite. Example procedures: cataract, MIGS, eyelid, and minor corneal surgery.

Moderate sedation or regional blocks. Typical setting: an ASC or hospital OBS. Example procedures: longer or more complex ophthalmic cases.

Deep sedation or general anesthesia. Typical setting: a hospital OR. Example procedures: pediatric or high-complexity cases.