The photic sneeze reflex and ocular anesthesia
Wessels, I.F.; Wessels, D.A.; Zimmerman, G.J.
Ophthalmic Surgery and Lasers 30(3): 208-211
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 1082-3069 PMID: 10100255 Document Number: 508273
Intravenous sedation to minimize discomfort from local anesthetic injection has many potential complications including severe involuntary sneezing (i.s.). This prospective study evaluates the occurrence of i.s. and a history of photic sneezing (p.s.). All patients receiving local anesthesia (retrobulbar or periocular injections) after intravenous thiopentone for eye surgery during eight months were asked about p.s. and observed for i.s. The 557 patients (40% males) had a mean age of 69.9 years and 14% recalled p.s. (29.5% males). I.s. developed in 5.2% of the 557. Only 7.6% of those with p.s. developed i.s. After periocular injections 23.8% developed as compared to 4.5% after retrobulbar injections. (P < 0.001). There was no relationship between p.s. and i.s. (p = 0.43). I.s. is not linked to p.s., with males and females at equal risk for either. I.s. is more common after periocular injections.