* BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinical features and visual acuity outcomes associated with the use of regional anesthesia with monitored anesthesia care (RA/MAC) versus general anesthesia for open globe injuries in adult reparable eyes.
* PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective, consecutive case series including all adults with open globe injuries repaired at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between 2000 and 2003.
* RESULTS: The study included 238 eyes of 238 patients with a median age of 41 years. RA/MAC was employed in 141 (59%) eyes and general anesthesia in 97 (41%) eyes. Patients who had RA/MAC were significantly (P < .001) more likely to have anterior wound location (64% corneal/limbal vs 50%), shorter wound length (6.5 vs 12 mm), and formed anterior chamber (82% vs 56%), and were significantly less likely to have an afferent pupillary defect (12% vs 43%). The improvement from presenting visual acuity to each postoperative follow-up interval was similar for the two groups.
* CONCLUSIONS: RA/MAC is a reasonable alternative to general anesthesia for selected patients with open globe injuries.
[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2005;36:122-128.]
Functional outcomes with internal limiting membrane removal were good in this group of patients. Macular index was compatible with spatial configuration of the macular hole, however visual outcomes were not predictable.
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