Retrobulbar hemorrhage

Ophthalmology. 1991 Aug;98(8):1153-5. doi: 10.1016/s0161-6420(91)32158-4.

Abstract

Retrobulbar hemorrhage associated with retrobulbar anesthesia has been construed as a contraindication to cataract surgery. Cancellation of the surgery results in disappointment for both the patient and surgeon. A retrospective study of 60 eyes was undertaken to evaluate the safety of proceeding with small-incision phacoemulsification surgery after retrobulbar hemorrhage when specific criteria are met. If digital massage achieved a soft globe that was easily retropulsed and the eyelids were loose and easily mobilized, the surgery was performed as scheduled. If the globe remained firm within a tense orbit and proptosis with tight lids was present, surgery was cancelled. Fifty-seven cases with retrobulbar hemorrhage met these criteria and underwent phacoemulsification with implantation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens. The lack of intraoperative and postoperative complications suggests that small-incision cataract surgery can be safely performed when preceded by a limited retrobulbar hemorrhage.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anesthesia, Local / adverse effects*
  • Cataract Extraction*
  • Eye Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lenses, Intraocular*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Orbital Diseases / etiology*
  • Prognosis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Visual Acuity