Inadvertent perforation of the globe during regional anaesthesia.
OBJECTIVE
This retrospective study was undertaken to review the clinical signs and management of patients with perforating eye injuries associated with regional anaesthesia for ophthalmic surgery.


METHODS
Fifteen consecutive patients presenting with inadvertent perforation of the globe were evaluated. Eleven required vitreoretinal surgery. The indications were retinal detachment (six eyes), vitreous haemorrhage (four) and an epiretinal membrane (one eye).


RESULTS
Those eyes with retinal detachments generally had a poor functional outcome in spite of the retinae being attached in five of the six eyes. The operative findings of those eyes with vitreous haemorrhage but attached retina demonstrated varying retinal tear configurations.


CONCLUSIONS
Eyes with perforating injuries following intraorbital anaesthesia are at risk of developing a retinal detachment. In those eyes presenting with dense vitreous but attached retina, consideration of vitrectomy and laser photocoagulation is advised.
Polkinghorne
P J
PJ
Department of Ophthalmology, Auckland Hospital, New Zealand.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000765:Anesthesia, Conduction / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000379:methods; D015807:Eye Injuries, Penetrating / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009915:Orbit / Q000293:injuries*; D012160:Retina / Q000293:injuries*; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014821:Vitrectomy; D014823:Vitreous Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery