title: Optic neuropathy following retrobulbar injection: a review.
abstract: A retrobulbar block is a regional anesthetic nerve block in the retrobulbar space. Optic neuropathy following retrobulbar injection is a well-recognized and rare complication of the procedure with an unknown incidence. This article reviews the relevant literature regarding vision loss following this procedure. Mechanisms of injury to the optic nerve as well as methods that can be employed to minimize the risk of optic neuropathy will be explored, including alternatives to retrobulbar anesthesia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts , USA.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gross
authors.forename: Dean M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Cestari
mesh_terms: D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D001340:Autonomic Nerve Block / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001766:Blindness / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D056965:Injections, Intraocular / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; D009901:Optic Nerve Diseases / Q000209:etiology*
chemical_list: D000779:Anesthetics, Local
keywords: Anesthetic complications; ocular anesthesia