Almost all retinal detachment surgery can be performed quite adequately under a local anaesthetic. This occasionally involves some sedative drugs being given in addition to an injection or injections around the eye. It is equally possible for retinal detachment surgery to be performed under general anaesthesia. The choice of anaesthesia is usually based on a combination of safety and personal preference on the parts of the patient, anaesthetist and surgeon. The over-riding concern must be safety and the anaesthetist may consequently dictate that some patients have one or other type of procedure. This will be discussed with you both by the anaesthetist and by the surgeon.