Elevator function of the upper eyelid after peribulbar and retrobulbar anaesthesia

Abstract

Peribulbar and retrobulbar anaesthesia are compared in relation to post-operative function of the superior levator muscle. In 215 cataract extractions, 98 retrobulbar anaesthesias and I17 peribulbar anaesthesias were performed. No direct injection into or near the superior rectus was performed in the retrobulbar group. The function of the levator was evaluated the day before, 24 hours after and 90 days after surgery. At 24 hours a reduced eyelid elevation was found, more in the peribulbar group (mean: -2.77mm) than in the retrobulbar group (mean: -2.32mm). At 90 days both groups showed a mean improvement of lid levator function, but with a slight mean reduction, compared with pre-operative measurements, particularly in the retrobulbar group (-1.50mm).In conclusion, 90 days after surgery, there was no significant difference between the two methods in the levator function.