Evaluation of ocular perforation during retrobulbar block using high-resolution spectral domain-optical coherence...

This article reports a case of ocular perforation during a retrobulbar block in a patient who underwent scleral buckle for retinal detachment.

Sterile air was immediately injected into the vitreous cavity to restore intraocular pressure and the scleral buckle operation was quickly finished. One week later, a laser retinopexy was performed on the two retinal holes that were outside the foveal area. After 6 months, spectral domain-optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography were performed on the perforated wall centered on the exit hole area.

The visual acuity was maintained 20/20 and the retina was totally attached. Spectral domain-optical coherence tomography showed a localized interruption of inner retina, retinal pigment epithelium, and choroid, with a higher posterior reflectivity in correspondence with the sclera. Optical coherence tomography angiography was able to detect atrophic alterations in the choroidal slab with a good visualization of large and rarefied choroidal vessels due to lack of retinal pigment epithelium and choriocapillaris.

When ocular perforation by a needle is outside the foveal area and when there is an early awareness of the perforation, the complications may be avoided, and we could observe a good final visual acuity result. Furthermore, using spectral domain-optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography, we could observe the perforated eyeball wall and study the effects of a 25-gauge needle perforation in the retinal and choroidal blood stream.