Retinal Ischemic Hazards of Peribulbar Block with and without Hyaluronidase in Patients Undergoing Phacoemulsification: A Prospective Study, MONA M. LOTFY, SALWA M. HEFNAWY, AMINA A. MOUSA, DALIA S. TAWFIK and NOHA A. OSAMA
Abstract
Background: The vast majority of ophthalmic surgeries are performed under regional anesthesia [1]. Complications of local anesthesia include ischemic optic neuropathy, occlusion of central retinal artery and retinal ischemic infarction.
Methods: Sixty patients undergoing phacoemulsification were studied prospectively; Group I (n=30) received peribulbar block with hyaluronidase and Group II (n=30) received per-ibulbar block without hayaluronidase. Central retinal mean flow velocity was measured.
Results: The parameters were comparable with less per-centage reduction in ocular blood flow in Group (I) after the block (1.7±3.1) than Group (II) were the reduction percentage was (3.4±3.2).
Conclusions: Adding hyaluronidase to the peribulbar block for cataract surgery was associated with favorable outcome on ocular blood flow and less risk of retinal ischemia.