Precautions Necessary To Avoid Risk Of Blindness After Ophthalmic Surgery

Ophthalmologists inject gas into the eye mainly during the surgical treatment of retinal hemorrhages or injuries. The purpose of the gas is to help press the detached retina to the wall of the eye. There is a risk of subsequent expansion of the gas bubble during airplane travel, at high altitudes, or under nitrous oxide anesthesia. This expansion can damage the retinal vessels, and the risk remains present for weeks after the surgical procedure.

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Filed under: Eye Health on February 26th, 2008