Eye Blocks

Last modified: 16 June 2023, 7:13:45 AM AEST
Gems1 / 6
  • Don't forget that IOL operations can be done under LA only
  • Surgeon can supplement with lignocaine in the anterior chamber before the viscoelastic (gel-like substance) is injected
  • Akinesis is important
    • Improves the surgical field
    • Can really see the eye move on the microscope screen with poor akinesis
    • Tolerance varies with proceduralist
    • More important for posterior chamber / retinal surgery = traditionally GA
  • Eyelid droop
    • a good sign of adequate block
    • Eye patch is required because of this
Contraindications to regional2 / 6
  • movement disorders
    • can tape the head still though
  • cooperation
    • Down syndrome
    • dementia
Peribulbar block solution3 / 6
  • 1% ropivacaine

  • hyaluronidase

    • 1500 units / vial
    • dilute to 10 mL
    • take 1 mL = 150 units
    • add to 1% ropivacaine
  • final concentration

    • ropivacaine ~ 1%
    • hyaluronidase 15 units/mL
  • Can also draw up 9.8 mL 1% ropivacaine + 0.2 mL hyalase for easier constitution

  • Recipe

    • 0.5% lignocaine
    • 0.5% ropivacaine
    • ie. 1% lignocaine / 1% ropivacaine into 10 mL syringe
    • Add hyalase 30 units/mL
Eye preparation4 / 6
  • LA drops
    • Amethocaine / tetracaine
  • 1/2 strength betadine

Eye Blocks = Improve onset and spread

  • Hyaluronidase
  • Short-acting LA = lignocaine
  • Higher concentration = 2% lignocaine
  • Gentle external pressure
    • Digital pressure
    • Honan balloon limited to 30 mmHg
    • will improve spread, reduce chemosis, control bleeding
  • Do NOT use
    • ocular massage = may ⬆IOP to 400 mmHg
Discharge5 / 6
  • RA = Home after 90 mins if haemodynamically stable
  • GA = 4 hours
References6 / 6

https://academic.oup.com/bjaed/article/17/7/221/3800526