Retrobulbar anesthesia for repair of ruptured globes

PURPOSE: To describe two cases involving patients with ruptured globes in whom retrobulbar anesthesia was used successfully. METHOD: A modified retrobulbar anesthesia technique was used to repair two ruptured globes in two patients in whom general anesthesia was contraindicated. RESULT: Using a modified technique, retrobulbar anesthesia did not cause wound gape or prolapse of intraocular contents. CONCLUSIONS: Most open globes should be repaired after administration of general anesthesia. Modified retrobulbar anesthesia can provide a reasonable alternative in rare situations in which general anesthesia subjects the patient to an unacceptable risk.