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[Definitive transient monocular blindness caused by ocular compression during general anesthesia]
Y Morin1, C Renard-Charalabidis, J Haut
1Service de médecine interne, Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie, Paris.
Journal Francais D'Ophtalmologie
|January 1, 1993
Summary
A young patient experienced permanent vision loss in one eye due to central retinal artery occlusion after surgery. This rare complication may result from eye compression during procedures, especially with controlled low blood pressure.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Anesthesiology
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) can lead to irreversible vision loss.
- Perioperative vision loss is a rare but serious complication of surgical procedures.
- Patient positioning and intraoperative management are critical factors in preventing adverse events.
Observation:
- A young patient developed sudden, irreversible monocular blindness post-surgery.
- The patient underwent a procedure in the prone (procubitus) position under general anesthesia.
- Clinical investigations were inconclusive, but head positioning potentially caused ocular compression.
Findings:
- The patient's blindness was attributed to central retinal artery obstruction.
- Surgical positioning in the prone position may have led to direct compression of the eyeball.
- Hypotension, induced intentionally during surgery, may have exacerbated the ischemic event.
Implications:
- This case highlights the risk of CRAO from ocular compression during prone positioning.
- Constant vigilance during surgical procedures is essential to prevent such rare complications.
- Anesthesiologists and surgeons must consider potential ocular risks associated with patient positioning and hemodynamic management.