Retrobulbar Group Research Articles

Efficacy and safety of trans-sub-Tenon's retrobulbar anesthesia for pars plana vitrectomy: a randomized trial

AimTo compare the efficacy and safety of trans-sub-Tenon's ciliary nerve block anesthesia and transcutaneous retrobulbar anesthesia in patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).MethodsA prospective, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial was conducted at Zhongda Hospital, Affiliated with Southeast University, from February 2021 to October 2021. Patients undergoing PPV were randomly allocated into two groups: the trans-sub-Tenon's anesthesia group (ST group) and the retrobulbar anesthesia group (RB group) in the ratio of 1:1. The ST group received 2 ml ropivacaine through the Tenon capsule to the retrobulbar space, while the RB group received 2 ml ropivacaine via transcutaneous retrobulbar injection. Visual analog score (VAS) was used to evaluate pain during the whole process, including during anesthesia implementation, intraoperatively and on the first day after the operation. Movement evaluation (Brahma scores) and anesthesia-related complications were also noted.ResultsFinally, a total of 120 patients were included in the study (60 in the ST group and 60 in the RB group). There were no significant differences in baseline patient characteristics or surgical features between the two groups. The VAS pain scores for anesthesia implementation were 0.52 ± 0.47 in the ST group and 1.83 ± 0.87 in the RB group (P < 0.001). The VAS scores during the operation were 0.53 ± 0.49 in the ST group and 1.48 ± 1.02 in the RB group (P < 0.001) and those on the first day after the operation were 0.37 ± 0.38 in the ST group and 0.81 ± 0.80 in the RB group (P = 0.002). No patients required supplemental intravenous anesthesia intraoperatively. The Brahma movement scores were 0.70 ± 1.64 in the ST group (scores ranging from 0 to 8) and 2.38 ± 3.15 in the RB group (ranging from 0 to 12) (P = 0.001). Forty-two patients in each group received laser photocoagulation during surgery. Fifteen patients (36%) in the ST group could not see the flashes of the laser, compared to 8 patients (19%) in the RB group (P = 0.087). No serious sight-threatening or life-threatening complications related to anesthesia were observed in either group.ConclusionsFor PPV, trans-sub-Tenon's ciliary nerve block anesthesia was more effective in controlling pain than transcutaneous retrobulbar anesthesia during the whole surgery process, including during anesthesia implementation, intraoperatively and on the first day after the operation. Additionally, it could achieve better effect of akinesia and was relatively safe. Trans-sub-Tenon's anesthesia could be considered an alternative form of local anesthesia during vitreoretinal procedures.Trial registrationThe study protocol has been registered at ChiCTR.org.cn on February 2021 under the number ChiCTR2100043109.

Efficacy of Retrobulbar versus Topical Anesthesia in Cataract Surgery

Aim: To monitor the effect of retrobulbar versus topical anesthesia in cataract surgery patients by comparing different parameters such as: intraocular pressure akinesia and analgesia parameters. Study type: Interventional case series. Place and duration of study: Department of Ophthalmology, Niazi Medical &amp; Dental College Sargodha from 1st October 2020 to 31st October 2021. Methodology: One hundred patients who underwent cataract surgery were enrolled. Study participants were divided into two groups and each group contain fifty 50 participants. Group one give retrobulbar block and group two treated by topical anesthesia. Complete ocular and systematic examinations and relevant examinations like clotting time, blood pressure, blood sugar, complete blood examination and bleeding time were done before starting the surgery. Results: 80% were males and 20% were females. During topical local anesthesia, 47(94%) patients experienced pain free surgery whereas in retrobulbar anesthesia, only 38(76%) patients experienced pain free surgery. In retrobulbar anesthesia group, complete akinesia was observed in 25(50%) patients. In retrobulbar group, significant increase in intraocular pressure was noted 41(82%) upto 30 mmHg after the administration of local anesthesia as compared to topical anesthesia group. Conclusion: Topical anesthesia is more safe and effective approach for cataract patients in contrast to retrobulbar group. It prevents many life and sight threatening implications like globe perforation and brain stem anesthesia. Key words: Efficacy, Retrobulbar, Topical anesthesia, Surgery

The effect of retrobulbar anesthesia for cataract surgery on the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect retrobulbar and topical anesthesia on optic nerve by measuring retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness before and after phacoemulsification cataract surgery using optical coherence tomography (OCT). A total of 126 eyes of 108 patients were included in the study. Retrobulbar anesthesia was used in 61 eyes of 53 patients, and topical anesthesia was used in 65 eyes of 55 patients. OCT scans were done 1week before the surgery and 4weeks after surgery, and the results were evaluated. The average RNFL thickness increased postoperatively in both groups (p < 0.001 for topical anesthesia group and p = 0.001 for retrobulbar anesthesia group). The preoperative and postoperative average and quadrant RNFL thickness and the change in RNFL thickness were not significantly different between the two anesthesia groups (p > 0.05). Our results suggest that retrobulbar anesthesia has no unfavorable effect on the retinal nerve fiber layer.

Comparison of sedation requirements for cataract surgery under topical anesthesia or retrobulbar block.

Topical anesthesia is increasingly being used for cataract surgery. However, it is believed that topical anesthesia causes an increased risk of intraoperative complications from unrestricted eye movement and insufficient pain control and more need for sedation. It is difficult to compare pain and anxiety experienced by individual patients; therefore, the authors used the method of patient-controlled sedation to determine whether there is a difference in sedation requirements under topical or retrobulbar anesthesia. In this prospective study, patients received either topical anesthesia (n=87) or retrobulbar block (n=104) and self-administered a mixture of midazolam (0.5 mg) and fentanyl (25 g) in increments using a patient controlled analgesia infuser to achieve sedation. At the end of surgery, patients rated their pain on a 10-point numerical rating scale and their comfort on a 5-point scale. The number of demands and deliveries were noted from the patient controlled analgesia infuser display. Pain scores were between 0 and 2 in 95.4% in the topical and in 94.2% in the retrobulbar group (p>0.05). Patient comfort was equal in both groups with 2.94 0.92 in the topical group and 2.92 0.99 in the retrobulbar group (p>0.05). Mean sedation requirements were similar in both groups: 26.4% of patients in the topical group and 19.2% in the retrobulbar group did not request any sedation (not significant, p>0.05). Sedation requirements were similar for cataract surgery under topical and retrobulbar anesthesia. (Eur J Ophthalmol 2004; 14: #-7).

Comparison of topical and retrobulbar anesthesia in terms of pain experience during silicone oil extraction.

To compare the use of topical anesthesia and retrobulbar anesthesia during silicone oil removal with a mixed pars plana technique, through evaluating the pain experience of patients. We selected patients according to their behavior during previous vitreoretinal surgery and ophthalmologic examinations and divided them into two anesthesia groups: topical (n=36) and retrobulbar (n=33). We used a mixed technique for the passive removal of silicone oil in both groups. During each step of the surgery, the patients' pain experience and the surgeon's comfort were scored according to a pain scale. The pain experienced during the application of the anesthesia was significantly greater in the retrobulbar group (p<0.001). The topical group experienced greater pain during trocar insertion (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the overall pain experience or complications. The pain experience of the selected patients during silicone oil removal was comparable between the topical and the retrobulbar anesthesia. Topical anesthesia with the mixed pars plana technique is an effective and safe alternative option for silicone oil removal surgery.

The Safety and Efficacy of Two-site Phacotrabeculectomy with Mitomycin C under Retrobulbar and Topical Anesthesia.

ABSTRACTPurpose: To evaluate and compare the safety and efficacy of combined two-site phacoemulsification and trabeculectomy surgery with mitomycin C (MMC) in glaucoma-cataract patients with retrobulbar or topical anesthesia.Patients and methods: A retrospective, nonrandomized review of consecutive phacotrabeculectomy patients with a minimum follow-up time of 6 months, no previous glaucoma surgeries, and a preoperative visual acuity (VA) greater than light perception. The main outcome measures were preoperative and postoperative VA, intraocular pressure (IOP), use of glaucoma medications, and complications. A complete surgical success required an IOP from 6 to 18 mm Hg, no visually devastating complications, no return to surgery, and no use of glaucoma medications. Qualified success allowed the use of up to two glaucoma medications. Anesthesia groups were compared by student t-tests and log rank comparison of Kaplan-Meier survival rates.Results: Eighty-seven eyes (83 patients) met inclusion criteria, with a mean follow-up of 19 ± 12 months (6-57 months). The average eye gained 3.1 ± 4.9 lines of VA, lost 4.0 ± 7.1 mm Hg of IOP, and decreased 1.0 ± 1.3 glaucoma medications. Retrobulbar and topical anesthesia groups had statistically equivalent mean changes in VA (p = 0.910), IOP (p = 0.268), and use of glaucoma medications (p = 0.964). Postoperative complication rates were also statistically similar (p = 0.580). Complete success was greater in the retrobulbar group (p = 0.006), however, qualified success was equivalent in both groups (p = 0.769).Conclusion: Two-site phacotrabeculectomy with MMC in West Indian patients is as safe and effective for glaucoma-cataract patients with topical anesthesia as it is under retrobulbar anesthesia, and without short-term losses in VA and the chance of serious complications from injection.How to cite this article: Rodriguez R, Alburquerque R, Sauer T, Batlle JF. The Safety and Efficacy of Two-site Phacotrabeculectomy with Mitomycin C under Retrobulbar and Topical Anesthesia. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2016;10(1):7-12.

The experimental study of VEGF inhibitor (bevacizumab) on the treatment of retinopathy of premature rats

Objective To establish hyperoxia retinopathy in premature rat model with Sprague-Dawley (SD), observe the pathological changes of angiogenesis and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and compare the effect of bevacizumab periocular injection and intravitreal injection of retinopathy of premature rats. Methods Ninety preterm rat retinopathy models were randomly divided into 3 groups: high oxygen group, retrobulbar injection group, and vitreous cavity group (n=30 per group); 36 healthy rats were chosen as the normal control group. Each group were randomly selected 10 rats' right eyes to make retinal flat mount to observe the right eye retina vascular morphology; 10 resections of right eyes were embedded in paraffin, and stained with hematoxylin eosin (HE); the number of right eye of retinal neovascularization was observed; the right eye RNA was extracted, and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of VEGF. Results The normal group showed retinal vessels were around a reflection of distribution, good branch, shape rules, and clear structure. Intravitreous neovascularization occurred in the high oxygen group and peribulbar injection group. Retinal vascular endothelial cells in the high oxygen group were increased significantly compared to the normal group (P 0.05). The expressions of VEGF mRNA and HE staining had a consistent trend. Conclusions Bevacizumab inhibited the expression of VEGF that was increased in premature rats in hyperoxia retinopathy. The effects of bevacizumab periocular injection and intravitreal injection were similar, but the former was more secure than the latter. Key words: Vascular endothelial growth factors/AI/AD/ME; Retinal diseases/DT/ME; Premature birth; Disease models, animal

Comparing the Effect of Topical Anesthesia and Retrobulbar Block With Intravenous Sedation on Hemodynamic Changes and Satisfaction in Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery (Phaco Method)

Background:Cataract is one of the most common surgical procedures in the elderly. In most cases, the elderly have cardiac ischemia or chronic coronary diseases, which would lead to more ischemic events during general anesthesia. Therefore, surgeons and anesthetists prefer regional aesthesia to the general one owing to its more advantages and less complications.Objectives:Therefore, this study aimed to compare topical method and retrobulbar block for pain intensity, patient’s satisfaction, hemodynamic changes and intra and postoperative complications.Patients and Methods:In a single-blinded clinical trial, 114 patients scheduled for cataract surgery, aged 50 to 90 years with ASA physical status of I-III, were randomly assigned to two groups under monitored anesthesia care as topical anesthesia and retrobulbar block. After the injection of intravenous sedation, which was the combination of midazolam 0.5-1 mg with fentanyl 0.5-1 µ/kg, patients received retro bulbar block or topical anesthesia. During the operation, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial blood pressure and arterial saturation of O2were measured every five minutes. In addition, pain (VAS) and satisfaction (ISAS) scores were recorded every 15 minutes, then at recovery and one hour after the ending of operation in the ward. Findings were statistically analyzed using SPSS 16.Results:In this study, no significant association was found between age, gender, education and physical condition of patients in both topical and retro bulbar block groups. Comparison of pain based on VAS, satisfaction based on ISAS score and MAP in the studied periods had no significant differences between the two groups of patients undergoing cataract surgery. However, significant differences were found between the two groups (P = 0.045, 0.02, 0.042 and P < 0.05) regarding heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and arterial oxygen saturation percentage after 20-30 minutes of the operation.Conclusions:Both methods, topical and retro bulbar block had similar impression in cataract surgery regarding analgesia and patient satisfaction. However, in non-complicated cataract surgeries with short duration, topical anesthesia may be the preferable method, because of non-invasiveness, appropriate analgesia, patient satisfaction and hemodynamic stability.

Comparison of systemic atracurium, retrobulbar lidocaine, and sub‐Tenon's lidocaine injections in akinesia and mydriasis in dogs

To compare the effect of sub-Tenon's lidocaine injections (ST) on akinesia and mydriasis to those of systemic atracurium (AT) and retrobulbar lidocaine injections in dogs. Ten healthy beagle dogs without apparent ocular disease. Three treatments were performed on 10 beagle dogs with a minimum 7-day washout period: intravenous injection of AT (0.2 mg/kg, AT group); retrobulbar (RB) injection of 2% lidocaine (2.0 mL, RB group) in one eye; and sub-Tenon's injection of 2% lidocaine (2.0 mL, ST group) in the opposite eye. When the akinesia was not obtained within 10 min, an additional 1 mL of lidocaine was administered in the RB and the ST groups. Onset of akinesia in the AT (1.5 ± 0.9 min) and the ST (3.8 ± 5.8 min) groups was significantly shorter than that in the RB group (9.0 ± 6.5 min). Duration of akinesia in the ST group (116.2 ± 32.8 min) was longer compared to the AT (60.6 ± 23.6 min) and the RB (89.0 ± 52.8 min) groups, even though there was only a significant difference between the AT and the ST groups. Mydriasis was achieved in five eyes in the RB group and nine eyes in the ST group. There was no significant difference in onset (3.6 ± 3.1 and 2.9 ± 2.3 min, respectively) or duration (91.4 ± 31.9 and 102.1 ± 35.8 min, respectively) of mydriasis between the groups. Sub-Tenon's lidocaine injections provide excellent akinesia and mydriasis compared to systemic AT and retrobulbar lidocaine injections. Therefore, sub-Tenon's anesthesia could be an alternative to the systemic administration of neuromuscular blockers and retrobulbar anesthesia for ophthalmic surgery in dogs.

Superior subconjunctival anesthesia versus retrobulbar anesthesia for manual small-incision cataract surgery in a residency training program: a randomized controlled trial

PurposeTo evaluate the effectiveness of subconjunctival anesthesia as compared to retrobulbar anesthesia for pain control during manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS) performed by third-year residents.DesignA randomized, controlled trial.Patients and methodsA total of 150 patients undergoing routine cataract surgery were randomly assigned to receive either subconjunctival anesthesia (group 1, n = 75) or retrobulbar anesthesia (group 2, n = 75). Third-year residents performed MSICS using the modified Blumenthal technique. Subconjunctival anesthesia was administered by injecting 2% xylocaine with adrenalin into the superior conjunctiva, and retrobulbar anesthesia by injecting 2 mL of 2% xylocaine with adrenalin into the retrobulbar space. We studied the following variables: intraoperative pain score rated on a 100-point visual analog scale (VAS), operative time, and injection and operative complications.ResultsA mean age of 69 vs 70 years, an operative time of 47.1 (SD, 9.9) min vs 47.7 (10.9) min, and a median (interquartile range) pain score of 40 (range, 20–70) vs 40 (range, 20–50) were observed in the subconjunctival and the retrobulbar groups, respectively. The injection complication of subconjunctival hemorrhage was significantly higher in the subconjunctival group (25.3%) compared to the retrobulbar group (1.3%). The operative complication rate between groups was not different (P > 0.05).ConclusionBoth, superior subconjunctival anesthesia and retrobulbar anesthesia were effective during MSICS when used in a residency training program.

The influence of different anesthetic modes on intraocular pressure and ocular pulse amplitude

Objective To compare the influence of retrobulbar and sub-Tenon' s anesthesia on intraocular pressure (lOP) and ocular pulse amplitude (OPA). Methods Forty consecutive adult patients with monocular cataract were enrolled in this study and were divided into retrobulbar and sub-Tenon' s group. IOP and OPA were measured with dynamic contour tonometer (DCT) in the operated eye and in the contralateral eye as a control before and at Ⅰ minute and 10 minutes after administration of lidocaine anesthesia. Results With retrobulbar anesthesia, the IOP increased in the injected eyes while no significant change was observed in the control eyes; The lOP remained stable in both eyes with sub-Tenon' s anesthesia. The OPA significantly decreased in the injected eyes with both modes anesthesia after injection of anesthetic agents. The decrease of OPA in the sub - Tenon's group was detected after 10 minutes in the control eyes. In the retrobulbar anesthesia group,the OPA in the control eyes increased significantly at 1 minute after injection and returned to preinjection levels at 10 minutes after injection. Conclusion Retrobulbar anesthesia decreases OPA and increases (IOP). Sub-Tenon's anesthesia reduces OPA and has no obvious influence on IOP. Key words: retrobulbar anesthesia; sub-Tenon' s anesthesia; IOP; OPA; ocular blood flow

Posterior vitrectomy under topical anesthesia.

To determine the safety and efficacy of topical anesthesia in posterior vitrectomy. A total of 93 patients (93 eyes) with various vitreoretinal diseases not needing scleral buckling and with short predicted duration of surgery underwent posterior vitrectomy under topical (49 eyes) or retrobulbar (44 eyes) anesthesia. Patients in the topical group were sedated with neuroleptic anesthesia. Postoperatively, patients were shown a visual analogue pain scale (VAPS) from 0 (no pain) to 10 (unbearable pain) to rate the levels of pain. The main outcome measures were overall and worst intraoperative pain scores, duration of surgery, and pain score during the administration of the retrobulbar anesthetic agent. Mean surgical time was 57.9 minutes in the topical group and 56.6 minutes in the retrobulbar group (p > 0.05). The pain scores were not significantly different. Mean overall pain scores were 1.71 (SD 1.04, range 0-5) in the topical group and 1.38 (SD 1.04, range 0-3) in the retrobulbar group (p > 0.05). Mean worst pain scores were 3.20 (SD 1.30, range 1-7) and 2.95 (SD 0.73, range 1-4), respectively (p > 0.05). There was no significant correlation between duration of surgery and overall pain score in either group (r = 0.146, p = 0.356, and r = 0.174, p = 0.385, respectively). No patient required additional injection anesthesia in the topical group. Topical anesthesia combined with systemic sedation and analgesia in posterior vitrectomy procedures provided sufficient analgesic effects in selected patients needing no scleral buckling and with short predicted surgery time.

Retrobulbar versus subconjunctival anesthesia for cataract surgery

To compare the effectiveness, in terms of pain relief and akinesia of retrobulbar and subconjunctival an aesthesia during cataract surgery and also to compare the degree of postoperative ptosis associated with each technique. Consecutive adult patients undergoing cataract surgery between March and June 2008 at the Guinness Eye Center Onitsha, were randomized into retrobulbar and subconjunctival an aesthesia by simple random sampling. Patients' subjective perception of pain was graded into none, mild, moderate and severe; eyeball movement during surgery was graded into none, slight, moderate excessive. Two weeks after surgery, the palpebral fissure width was measured with the metre rule to determine the degree of post-operative ptosis. Of the 90 patients studied, 55 (61.1%) patients had subconjunctival an anesthesia while 35(38.9%) had retrobulbar injection. In the retrobulbar injection group 25 (71.4%) patients had none or mild pains compared to 44 (80.0%) in the subconjunctival injection group; while 10 (28.6%) patients in the retrobulbar group experienced moderate to severe pains, 11 (20%) patients in the subconjunctival group had moderate pains and none experienced severe pains. But the difference in the degree of pain perception between the 2 groups is not statistically significant (χ2 = 0.01; df - 1; P>0.05 ). In the retrobulbar injection group, there was none or slight movement of the globe in 30 (85.7%) patients compared to 49 (89.1%) patients in the subconjunctival group. While 5 (14.3%) patients in the retrobulbar injection group had moderate globe movement, no patient in this group had excessive movement. In the subconjunctival injection group, 5 (9.1%) patients had moderate movement and 1 (1.8%) patient had excessive eyeball movement. The difference in the movement of the eyeball between the retrobulbar and the subconjunctival injections group was not significant (χ2 = 0.004; df - 1; P>0.05 ). In the retrobulbar injection group, the palpebral fissure width was within ≥ 10mm in 18 (51.0%) patients compared with 29 (53.0%) patients in the subconjunctival group. This difference was not statistically significant (χ2 = 0.0006; df - 1; P>0.05 ). Both retrobulbar and subconjunctival an aesthetic techniques are effective and safe for cataract surgery although the pain experience may be slightly more for patients being operated upon under retrobulbar anaesthesia.

Retrobulbar Versus Topical Anesthesia for Phacoemulsification

To evaluate and compare intraoperative pain, perioperative complications and hemodynamic changes during phacoemulsification under topical and retrobulbar anesthesia. A total of 564 patients were randomly allocated into topical and retrobulbar groups. All patients received 2 mcg kg(-1) fentanyl 5 min before the start of their procedures. Patients in the topical group were treated with tetracaine 0.5% eye drops and given preservative free lidocaine 2% intracamerally during surgery. Patients in the retrobulbar group received a 4 mL lidocaine 2% into the retrobulbar space. The number of complications, hemodynamic changes, phaco time and pain severity on the base of a 10-point visual analog scale of pain were recorded immediately after surgery. Differences between the 2 study groups in age, sex, postoperative visual acuity and phaco time were not statistically significant. Blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure had no difference before and after surgery in the two groups (p > 0.05). Chemosis, periorbital hematoma and subconjunctival hemorrhage occurred only in the retrobulbar anesthesia group. Incidence of vitreous loss, corneal edema and zonular tear was not statistically significant in the two groups. Two hundred thirty five patients (83%) in the retrobulbar and 238 (84%) in the topical group reported minimal discomfort (0-2). The Mean +/- SD pain score in the topical group was 1.13 +/- 1.36 and in the retrobulbar group 1.14 +/- 1.47 (p = 0.92). Patients undergoing cataract surgery with topical anesthesia and those undergoing cataract surgery with retrobulbar block did not vary in terms of subjective pain score and other parameters measuring intraoperative pain, efficacy of anesthesia and feasibility of surgery. This suggests that cataract surgery can be performed with topical anesthesia without compromising the safety of the procedure.

Prognosis of Taiwanese Patients with Isolated Optic Neuritis After Intravenous Methylprednisolone Pulse Therapy

To evaluate the clinical manifestations, prognosis, recurrence rate and development of multiple sclerosis between papillitis group and retrobulbar group in Taiwanese patients with isolated acute optic neuritis (AON) after treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy. We retrospectively reviewed patients with AON who had received intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy. These patients were classified into retrobulbar or papillitis groups. Demographic characteristics, responsiveness to pulse therapy, recurrence rate and incidence of multiple sclerosis were compared between these two groups. Of the 43 patients enrolled in this study, 19 patients (44%) were in the retrobulbar group and 24 patients (56%) were in the papillitis group. Seven cases (16%) showed periventricular plaque on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Among these seven patients, five developed definite or probable multiple sclerosis. The incidence of multiple sclerosis in patients with positive brain MRI findings was significantly higher than in patients with negative MRI findings (p = 0.002). There was no statistical difference in final visual acuity between the two group (p = 0.353). Sixteen patients suffered from recurrence of AON (21% in the papillitis group and 58% in the retrobulbar group, p = 0.029). Two patients (8%) in the papillitis group and six patients (32%) in the retrobulbar group developed multiple sclerosis (p = 0.061) with a mean interval of 21.6 +/- 11.2 months. AON in Taiwan has a relatively lower percentage of development of multiple sclerosis than in Western countries. The presence of periventricular plaque on MRI is significantly associated with the later development of multiple sclerosis. The retrobulbar group had a stronger association with recurrence and development of multiple sclerosis.

Anestesia tópica más subconjuntival versus retrobulbar en la esclerectomía profunda no penetrante

To compare the safety and efficacy of topical plus subconjunctival versus retrobulbar anesthesia for primary non-penetrating sclerectomy supplemented with adjuntive 5-FU. A prospective study of 30 consecutive patients who were randomized to receive subconjunctival (n = 14) or retrobulbar (n = 16) anesthesia was performed. Operating conditions, patient comfort, postoperative pain, total pain and surgical outcomes were evaluated. There were no differences in the operating conditions. The retrobulbar group reported significantly more pain during administration of the anesthetic agent than the subconjunctival group (P= 0.00). The subconjunctival group reported more discomfort during surgery than the retrobulbar group (P= 0.00); however, this feature was not a problem for the surgeon. No statistically significant differences were found in regard to the total pain experienced, the postoperative pain, nor the success rates of the operative procedure in either group. Topical/subconjunctival anesthesia is a safe and effective alternative to retrobulbar anesthesia for non penetrating sclerectomy supplemented with 5-FU.

Posterior vitrectomy under topical anesthesia

Background: To determine the safety and efficacy of topical anesthesia in posterior vitrectomy.Methods: A total of 93 patients (93 eyes) with various vitreoretinal diseases not needing scleral buckling and with short predicted duration of surgery underwent posterior vitrectomy under topical (49 eyes) or retrobulbar (44 eyes) anesthesia. Patients in the topical group were sedated with neuroleptic anesthesia. Postoperatively, patients were shown a visual analogue pain scale (VAPS) from 0 (no pain) to 10 (unbearable pain) to rate the levels of pain. The main outcome measures were overall and worst intraoperative pain scores, duration of surgery, and pain score during the administration of the retrobulbar anesthetic agent.Results: Mean surgical time was 57.9 minutes in the topical group and 56.6 minutes in the retrobulbar group (p > 0.05). The pain scores were not significantly different. Mean overall pain scores were 1.71 (SD 1.04, range 0–5) in the topical group and 1.38 (SD 1.04, range 0–3) in the retrobulbar group (p > 0.05). Mean worst pain scores were 3.20 (SD 1.30, range 1–7) and 2.95 (SD 0.73, range 1–4), respectively (p > 0.05). There was no significant correlation between duration of surgery and overall pain score in either group (r = 0.146, p = 0.356, and r = 0.174, p = 0.385, respectively). No patient required additional injection anesthesia in the topical group.Interpretation: Topical anesthesia combined with systemic sedation and analgesia in posterior vitrectomy procedures provided sufficient analgesic effects in selected patients needing no scleral buckling and with short predicted surgery time.

Intravitreal steroids in the management of macular oedema

The use of intravitreal corticosteroids in the management of macular oedema has recently gained widespread acceptance. New long-acting steroid preparations and methods of delivery have facilitated the use of these new modalities. This review describes the various types of macular oedema for which this therapeutic option is used and the results.

Phacoemulsification with topical anesthesia: Resident experience

To compare the intraoperative and postoperative complications and outcomes of phacoemulsification performed by residents using topical and retrobulbar anesthesia. Two university ophthalmology departments. One hundred fifty phacoemulsification procedures were performed by 3 residents who used retrobulbar anesthesia (retrobulbar group), and 146 phacoemulsification procedures were performed by another 3 residents who used topical anesthesia and who had no experience with retrobulbar or peribulbar anesthesia (topical group). Case notes were prospectively compared. The data analyzed included the ocular history, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and final best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA). There were no differences between the 2 groups in complication rates. Anterior capsule tears occurred in 8 eyes (5.3%) in the retrobulbar group and 7 eyes (4.7%) in topical group. Capsulorhexis was continuous but not curvilinear in 14 eyes (9.3%) and 12 eyes (8.2%), respectively. Capsulorhexis tear or posterior capsule rupture that necessitated conversion to extracapsular cataract extraction occurred in 3 eyes (2.0%) in the retrobulbar group and in 1 eye (0.6%) in the topical group. Posterior capsule rupture with vitreous loss occurred in 10 eyes (6.6%) and 9 eyes (6.1%), respectively. Loss of lens fragments in the vitreous cavity occurred in 3 eyes (2.0%) and 4 eyes (2.7%), respectively. The 63 postoperative complications (41 eyes [27.3%], retrobulbar group; 22 eyes [15.0%], topical group) included cystoid macular edema, intraocular lens decentration, endophthalmitis, bullous keratopathy, transient intraocular pressure elevation, temporary corneal edema, and vitreous hemorrhage. Some cases had more than 1 complication. The BSCVA, including in eyes with preexisting ocular pathology, was 20/40 or better in 86.7% in the retrobulbar group and 84.9% in the topical group. When supervised and in selected patients, residents who have no retrobulbar or peribulbar anesthesia experience can safely perform phacoemulsification using topical anesthesia.

Intravitreal Versus Retrobulbar Injections of Triamcinolone for Macular Edema Associated With Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

To compare the short-term effect of intravitreal versus retrobulbar injection of triamcinolone acetonide for the treatment of macular edema caused by branch retinal vein occlusion. Randomized clinical trial. Sixty eyes of 60 patients who had macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion were randomly assigned to receive a single intravitreal injection (4 mg) or repeated retrobulbar injections (40 mg, three times) of triamcinolone. These injections (first injection in the retrobulbar group) were given approximately 1 week after focal laser photocoagulation. Using optical coherence tomography, the central retinal (foveal) thickness and total macular volume were measured before and at 1 and 3 months after injection. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and the incidence of reinjection were also examined. Fifty-two patients (86.7%) completed the 3-month follow-up. The mean foveal thickness and total macular volume decreased significantly after either intravitreal or repeated retrobulbar triamcinolone injections. Foveal thickness and macular volume were significantly less after intravitreal injection than after repeated retrobulbar injections, although there had been no significant differences at baseline. The percent reductions in foveal thickness and macular volume were also greater after intravitreal injection than after retrobulbar injections. Improvement in visual acuity was significantly better after intravitreal injection than after the retrobulbar injections. The incidence of intraocular pressure rise (to > or =20 mm Hg) was greater in the intravitreal group than in the retrobulbar group, but this was readily controlled by the use of antiglaucoma medications. After completion of the 3-month follow-up, 24 patients (46.2%) underwent reinjection. The need for reinjections was significantly greater in the retrobulbar group than in the intravitreal group (P = .0001). A single intravitreal injection of triamcinolone is significantly more effective than are repeated retrobulbar injections in reducing macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion, and leads to greater improvement in visual acuity.