Sensitivity to retinal light damage and surgical blood oxygen levels.
Increased oxygen levels decrease the threshold for photochemical retinal damage. We measured arterial oxygen levels in a group of ophthalmic surgical patients. As expected, levels exceeded unanesthetized measurements by one to two times. Based on experimental data, this could decrease the threshold for light-induced retinal damage during ophthalmic surgery by 40% to 50%. While the clinical implications of light-induced retinal damage in surgical eye patients are unclear, it is prudent to take steps to minimize light exposure during surgery.
Parver
L M
LM
Retina Research Laboratory, Center for Sight, Washington, DC.
Mitchard
R
R
Ham
W T
WT
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000758:Anesthesia; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008027:Light / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood*; D012016:Reference Values; D012160:Retina / Q000528:radiation effects*
D010100:Oxygen