title: Visual acuity and pupillary reactions after peribulbar anaesthesia.
abstract: The effect of peribulbar anaesthesia on optic nerve function in 20 patients, before and after cataract surgery, was measured. All the patients had decreased visual acuity. Five (25%) had no perception of light. Seventeen (85%) developed a relative afferent pupil defect (RAPD). No patients saw the operating instruments. Seven (35%) had improved visual acuity immediately postoperatively. Patients should be warned that they may lose vision completely on being given a peribulbar anaesthetic; however their vision will improve, but not necessarily immediately, postoperatively. Examination for an RAPD is a good method of providing reassurance that the operating instruments will not be seen.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, East Birmingham Hospital.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Talks
authors.forename: N H
authors.initials: NH
authors.lastname: Chong
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Gibson
authors.forename: I R
authors.initials: IR
authors.lastname: Francis
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000758:Anesthesia / Q000379:methods*; D002386:Cataract / Q000503:physiopathology; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009900:Optic Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011680:Pupil / Q000502:physiology*; D014792:Visual Acuity