Complications of retrobulbar alcohol injections
Olurin, O.; Osuntokun, O.
Annals of Ophthalmology 10(4): 474-476
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-4886 PMID: 677633 Document Number: 133917
Temporary anesthesia of the uveal tissue and cornea before intraocular surgery may be obtained by retrobulbar injection with a local anesthetic agent such as lidocaine hydrochloride. In cases of intractable pain in blind eyes, anesthesia of a more permanent nature is desired, and this can be achieved by adding alcohol 60-80% to the retrobulbar injection of lidocaine. Following retrobulbar alcohol injection, complications were encountered similar to those due to retrobulbar hemorrhage, though much longer lasting, but with no clinical evidence of retrobulbar hemorrhage or systemic absorption of alcohol or lidocaine. These complications are described.