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. 1994 Jan;78(1):41–43. doi: 10.1136/bjo.78.1.41

Visual acuity and pupillary reactions after peribulbar anaesthesia.

S J Talks 1, N H Chong 1, J M Gibson 1, I R Francis 1
PMCID: PMC504689  PMID: 8110698

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.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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