Eye Anesthesia + Blocks Flashcards
(78 cards)
What is a common ocular anesthesia technique used in cataract surgery?
Topical / Intraocular Anesthesia
Example: 2% lidocaine drops or gel, often supplemented with intracameral injection of preservative-free 1% lidocaine.
What are the advantages of Topical / Intraocular Anesthesia?
Safe, simple; preserves motor function; rapid recovery.
What are the disadvantages of Topical / Intraocular Anesthesia?
No akinesia (eye or eyelid movement not blocked); variable pain relief.
What is the Sub-Tenon Block?
Provides deeper analgesia than topical anesthesia and is performed between rectus muscles of the globe.
What is the procedure for a Sub-Tenon Block?
Conjunctiva is incised; Tenon’s capsule is lifted and incised; blunt cannula inserted into the sub-Tenon space; local anesthetic (3–4 mL typical; up to 10 mL reported) is injected.
What are the advantages of the Sub-Tenon Block?
Good analgesia; safer than sharp needle blocks.
What are the limitations of the Sub-Tenon Block?
Variable akinesia (some globe movement may persist); requires more skill and time than topical.
What is the most common and effective way to produce profound analgesia and akinesia?
Ocular Regional needle block.
What blocks are involved in the Ocular Regional anesthesia?
Retrobulbar and peribulbar blocks.
Which cranial nerves are affected by Ocular Regional anesthesia?
CN III (oculomotor), IV (trochlear), V (trigeminal), VI (abducens), VII (facial).
What do the affected cranial nerves control?
Extraocular muscles, sensation, and eyelid motion.
Where is the Ocular Regional anesthesia procedure performed?
In the orbital epidural space.
What type of needle is used for a retrobulbar block?
23-gauge dull needle
Where is the insertion site for a retrobulbar block?
Infratemporal quadrant, just above the inferior orbital rim
What is the needle trajectory for a retrobulbar block?
Advanced toward the orbital apex, 35 mm deep
What is the anesthetic volume injected in a retrobulbar block?
2–4 mL injected into the muscle cone
What should be done post-injection in a retrobulbar block?
Digital pressure applied over the closed eyelid; globe is inspected for akinesia after a few minutes
What are the complications of a retrobulbar block?
Trauma to optic nerve, vessels, globe → possible permanent vision loss; Seizures → from inadvertent intravascular injection; Respiratory arrest → anesthetic enters CSF via optic nerve sheath
What gaze direction should be used to avoid risk during procedures?
Use primary gaze (straight ahead) or down-and-out gaze to shift vital structures away.
What is the recommended needle depth to reduce optic nerve trauma?
Recommended depth: 19–25 mm – just posterior to globe, reduces optic nerve trauma.
What type of needles should be used for safer navigation?
Use dull/flat-grind needles, curved-tip, or pinhead needles for safer navigation.
How can patient comfort be improved during procedures?
Sedation or topical anesthetic may improve tolerance.
What is the current understanding of orbital anatomy?
Newer anatomical understanding emphasizes 360° fascial septa and open orbital communication.
What is the needle angle in the original Atkinson technique?
Oblique—directed toward orbital apex
Higher risk of trauma to optic nerve, vessels, and globe.