Periocular hematoma secondary to subperiosteal injury by a short needle

Abstract

Bleeding and intraorbital hematoma is one of the most common complications of needle block for ophthalmic local anesthesia. We describe an unusual presentation of hematoma that originated in the subperiosteal space and extended to the subconjunctival and periocular area after a peribulbar block for phacoemulsification in a 55-year-old lady. It required an urgent surgical evacuation in order to reduce the intraocular pressure and save the eye. Detailed management to improve the outcome is discussed.

Keywords

• Local anesthesia
• periocular hematoma
• phacoemulsification
• short needle
• subperiosteal injury