Complications of ophthalmic regional blocks: their treatment and prevention.

Complications following ophthalmic regional anaesthesia are rare but are reported during both needle (intraconal and extraconal blocks) and blunt cannula (sub-Tenon's block) techniques. At present there is no perfect technique of ophthalmic regional anaesthesia. This article reports on the complications, treatment and prevention of commonly used ophthalmic regional blocks. Thorough knowledge of the measures required to deal with complications when they occur are of paramount importance for safe clinical practice.