Intravenous diazepam as an adjunct to local anesthesia in ophthalmic surgery

The addition of intravenous diazepam to other, routinely employed preoperative medications prior to intraocular surgical procedures was evaluated to determine if symptoms of extreme apprehension and anxiety could be alleviated and the necessity to resort to general anesthesia reduced. It was observed that patients who were given intravenous diazepam preoperatively sleep or were drowsy during the procedure, tolerated the surgery uneventfully and did not manifest symptoms of apprehension. Also, they could be aroused without difficulty after the procedure and were responsive to questioning and routine aftercare. The only adverse reaction, difficulty in breathing because of airway obstruction due to the tongue falling backward into the throat as a result of the light anesthesia employed, can be easily handled by lifting the chin upward or, if necessary, the use of an airway.