A MODIFIED RETROBULBAR BLOCK FOR EYE SURGERY

A modified retrobulbar block (MRB) using a single superomedial injecti on was compared with the classical retrobulbar block (RB) and peribulb ar block (PB) in a randomized, prospective, surgeon-blinded study invo lving 150 patients undergoing cataract surgery. No serious complicatio n occurred in any of the patients. The MRB produced higher rates of to tal akinesia in the orbicularis and all the extraocular muscles, which were statistically significant for the orbicularis, superior, inferio r and lateral rectus and oblique muscles when compared with RB, and fo r the superior rectus and oblique muscles when compared with PB. MRB r equired less supplemental blocks, provided good operating conditions f or the surgeon, and achieved high patient acceptance. It is concluded that MRB is a useful alternative method of ocular block for cataract s urgery.