The curious case of inability to open one eye after ipsilateral posterior superior alveolar nerve block

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionDental patients are usually concerned about the side effects of extraction of upper teeth on their eyes, however rare but certain ophthalmic complications corresponding to dental anaesthesia are well reported in literature.Material and MethodsWe present a case of 50‐year‐old female who developed ophthalmic complications following Posterior Superior Alveolar Nerve Block administration during extraction of left maxillary second molar.ResultsA clinical diagnosis of transient oculomotor palsy was made. Constant assurance about the transient nature of the symptoms was given to the patient. The patient started recovering after 30 min and recovered fully in about 2 h.Clinical significanceClinicians should be well aware of the ophthalmic effects of dental anaesthesia, this should always be kept in the back of mind that such complications are mostly transient but permanent loss of vision has also been documented in literature.