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Transient unilateral blindness following general anaesthesia: case report
Canadian Anaesthetists' Society Journal
|September 1, 1978
Summary
Transient blindness after general anesthesia can occur due to central retinal artery occlusion. Excessive face mask pressure on the eye is the likely cause, potentially worsened by head strap material.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Anesthesiology
- Neurology
Background:
- General anesthesia involves airway management, often using face masks.
- Transient visual disturbances can be a rare complication of anesthesia.
Observation:
- A patient experienced temporary one-sided blindness after receiving general anesthesia via a face mask.
- The blindness resolved spontaneously.
Findings:
- The most probable cause is central retinal artery occlusion (partial or complete).
- Excessive pressure from the anesthesia face mask on the eyeball is implicated.
- Neoprene head straps may exacerbate this risk compared to elastic rubber straps.
- Carotid artery pressure from straps could reduce retinal arterial pressure, increasing occlusion susceptibility.
Implications:
- Anesthesiologists should be aware of the risk of central retinal artery occlusion.
- Careful face mask and head strap application is crucial to prevent ocular complications.
- Further research into anesthesia-related visual disturbances is warranted.