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Ischemia of ciliary arterial circulation from ocular compression
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|December 1, 1975
Summary
Ocular compression during general anesthesia can cause central retinal and posterior ciliary artery occlusions. Proper head positioning and avoiding eye pressure can prevent these vision-threatening complications.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Ocular compression during general anesthesia is a potential cause of vision loss.
- Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) and posterior ciliary artery occlusion (PCAO) are serious complications.
Observation:
- Two patients experienced unilateral CRAO and PCAO due to ocular compression during general anesthesia.
- Findings included extensive choroidal ischemia, disc edema, and electroretinography abnormalities in one patient.
- The second patient presented with patchy choroidal ischemia, pigmentary atrophy, iridocyclitis, and hypotony.
Findings:
- Ocular compression, potentially from face masks or headrests, can lead to retinal and choroidal artery occlusions.
- Systemic hypotension is a contributing factor in many cases.
- The occlusion may occur at the level of the ophthalmic artery.
Implications:
- Preventing ocular compression during general anesthesia is crucial.
- Proper patient positioning and headrest use can mitigate the risk of these vascular occlusions.
- Awareness of this complication is vital for anesthesiologists and ophthalmologists.