Does phacoemulsification under topical anesthesia affect retrobulbar blood flow?

Purpose: To investigate with color Doppler imaging the effects of phacoemulsification surgery under topical anesthesia on retrobulbar vessels hemodynamics.

Methods: In this prospective study, color Doppler imaging was used to measure the maximum (Vmax) and minimum flow velocity (Vmin) of the central retinal vein, and the Vmax and Vmin, pulsatility index and resistance index of the central retinal artery, nasal, and temporal posterior ciliary arteries, and ophthalmic artery blood flow before and 1 day after phacoemulsification surgery under topical anesthesia.

Results: After phacoemulsification surgery under topical anesthesia, Vmin of the central retinal artery increased (p ≤ 0.05), whereas the other variables showed no significant change.

Conclusions: Phacoemulsification surgery under topical anesthesia has a minor effect on retrobulbar blood flow. Therefore topical anesthesia should be suitable for patients with ocular perfusion disorders (eg, glaucoma).