The entire part of the retina without blood vessels must be treated. Usually one cryotherapy or laser therapy session is enough to do this. If a second operation is needed, it would usually be done within 14 days of the first treatment. Preparing the baby for surgery takes 30-60 minutes and the operation itself takes about 60 minutes. The doctor will explain the anesthesia to you and recommend a specific kind that will work well for your baby.
Some babies undergo treatment with general anesthesia so that they sleep quietly.
Others may do well remaining awake, with only a local anesthetic to prevent pain. In some cases a compromise is used so that the baby is treated while under sedation, and local anesthesia is administered. The baby may receive anesthesia intravenously, or by an injection into the tissues surrounding the eye, or by breathing gas. Sometimes the treatment is done in an operating room. As with many kinds of operations or treatments, the premature baby may need help to breathe during the treatment.