Practice abstract
British Dental Journal 204, 247 - 248 (2008)
Published online: 8 March 2008 | doi:10.1038/bdj.2008.158
Subject Categories: Anaesthesia and sedation | Case reports
Nitrous oxide inhalation anaesthesia in the presence of intraocular gas can cause irreversible blindness
- Nitrous oxide is a highly soluble rapidly diffusing gas often used in sedation.
- Ophthalmic patients sometimes have intraocular gas injection as part of their surgery.
- Exposure of nitrous oxide to patients with intraocular gas can lead to an elevated intraocular pressure and blindness.
Abstract
Nitrous oxide inhalation sedation is frequently used in dental and other surgical procedures. We report the case of a patient with intraocular gas who developed sudden elevation in intraocular pressure and blindness as a result of nitrous oxide anaesthesia. All medical and dental personnel administering nitrous oxide inhalation should be aware that this is contraindicated in patients with intraocular gas.
- Specialist Registrar, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, PO6 3LY
- Consultant Department of Ophthalmology, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, PO6 3LY
Correspondence to: A. J. Lockwood1 e-mail: alastairlockwood2000@yahoo.co.uk
