Sight-threatening acute orbital swelling from peribulbar local anesthesia
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Updated: Oct 24, 2026

Full-Circle Cauterization of Limbal Vascular Plexus for Surgically Induced Glaucoma in Rodents
Published on: February 15, 2022
G Walters1, T Georgiou, J M Hayward
1Department of Ophthalmology, Leeds General Infirmary, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Severe allergic reactions to peribulbar local anesthesia are extremely rare. A 70-year-old woman presented with acute orbital swelling and optic nerve dysfunction after a peribulbar local anesthetic injection. The patient was treated with acute orbital decompression as well as intravenous antibiotics and methylprednisolone; she made a good recovery. An allergy, probably to lignocaine, was the most likely cause. Urgent recognition and treatment of this condition may prevent potentially serious visual consequences.
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