Anterior eyewall perforation during subconjunctival cataract block.

A patient was given a new type of subconjunctival block in preparation for cataract surgery. During the insertion of the needle subconjunctivally, the anterior eyewall was inadvertently perforated, resulting in a tiny retinal tear and focal retinal detachment. The cataract surgery, including intraocular lens implantation, was carried out without further problems. The retinal tear and tiny detachment were repaired the next day by argon laser photocoagulation. The visual result was excellent. To our knowledge, this is the first report of anterior eyewall perforation occurring with the use of this new subconjunctival anesthetic block.