Unilateral visual impairment after a dental procedure: Case report.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Dentistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Intra-oral local anesthetics are commonly used in dental procedures.
• Ocular complications, though rare, can occur following dental anesthesia.
• Reported complications include temporary vision loss, diplopia, and ptosis.

Observation:

• A 26-year-old male presented with visual impairment in his right eye two days post-dental procedure.
• The patient had no history of ocular disease.
• The visual impairment occurred after receiving intra-oral local anesthesia.

Findings:

• The patient experienced significant visual impairment that resolved spontaneously over six months without treatment.
• Inadvertent intravenous injection of the local anesthetic is suspected as the cause of the ocular complication.
• This case highlights a potential, albeit rare, adverse effect of dental local anesthetics.

Implications:

• Accidental intravascular injection during dental procedures can lead to transient neurological and ocular side effects.
• Awareness of these potential complications is crucial for dental practitioners.
• Proper injection techniques may help prevent such adverse events.