Interaction of Intraocular Air and Sulfur Hexafluoride with Nitrous Oxide

The Anesthetic Management of Ocular Trauma

“…SF 6 gas bubbles can remain for 3 to 4 weeks. 32,33 For this reason, it is advisable to avoid N 2 O when intravitreal gas injection is used or has been used in the past month, owing to possible reexpansion of the bubble and increase IOP on subsequent exposure to N 2 O. ' …”

Topical Aqueous Suppression Does Not Significantly Affect Duration of Intraocular Gas Tamponade After Vitrectomy

“…Nitrous oxide was not used for anesthesia because of its effect on intraocular gas volume. 4 Patients underwent a complete vitrectomy including shaving of the vitreous base by one of three surgeons (J.H., M.J.S., S.J.G.). An air-fluid exchange was performed using a soft-tip extrusion cannula.…”

Nitrous oxide inhalation anaesthesia in the presence of intraocular gas can cause irreversible blindness

“…3 If nitrous oxide is present in the blood stream it will rapidly enter the bubble, causing expansion and a dramatic increase in intraocular pres sure. 4,5 Nitrous oxide also rapidly leaves the bloodstream and gas bubble once inhalation is terminated, restoring the intraocular pressure. 5 In the patient described above, the nitrous oxide used for anaesthesia dur ing the prostrate surgery passed from the bloodstream into the intraocular gas bubble causing a rapid expansion of the bubble.…”

“…4,5 Nitrous oxide also rapidly leaves the bloodstream and gas bubble once inhalation is terminated, restoring the intraocular pressure. 5 In the patient described above, the nitrous oxide used for anaesthesia dur ing the prostrate surgery passed from the bloodstream into the intraocular gas bubble causing a rapid expansion of the bubble. The expanding bubble displaced lar aqueous fluid.…”