Transient unilateral blindness following general anaesthesia: case report

A case is reported of transient unilateral blindness following general anaesthesia with a face mask. The most likely explanation for this is central retinal artery occlusion, either partial or complete, due to excessive pressure from the mask exerted on the globe. This pressure may be increased with the use of neoprene head straps as opposed to the more flexible and elastic rubber straps. Pressure from the strap over the carotid artery may be a factor in reducing the central retinal arterial pressure, thus making it more susceptible to occlusion by mask pressure.