The absolute contraindication for using nitrous oxide with intraocular gases and other dental considerations associated with vitreoretinal surgery.

Nitrous oxide is absolutely contraindicated after vitreoretinal surgery that uses intraocular gas, as the mixture of gas and nitrous oxide can cause catastrophic vision loss. Professional awareness and communication are vital to prevent this iatrogenic complication. This case report identifies a side effect of vitreoretinal surgery with a benign outcome--specifically, a referred pain or pressure from left eye surgery or an associated gas bubble to the upper left quadrant. Such cases underscore the need for a dentist and staff to inquire about all ocular procedures to avoid patient vision loss due to nitrous oxide. Dentists should communicate with the patient's opthalmologist before proceeding with any dental procedure.