RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Visual acuity and pupillary reactions after peribulbar anaesthesia.
JF British Journal of Ophthalmology
JO Br J Ophthalmol
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.
SP 41
OP 43
DO 10.1136/bjo.78.1.41
VO 78
IS 1
A1 S J Talks
A1 N H Chong
A1 J M Gibson
A1 I R Francis
YR 1994
UL http://bjo.bmj.com/content/78/1/41.abstract
AB 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.