Eye Injury

Anesthesiologists who provided both the eye block and sedation for eye surgery (n = 59) had more injuries associated with block placement, a higher proportion of claims with permanent injury, and a higher proportion of claims with plaintiff payment, compared with anesthesiologists who provided sedation only (n = 38). Peripheral nerve blocks (n = 159) were primarily associated with temporary injuries (56%). Local anesthetic toxicity was associated with 7 of 19 claims with death or brain damage. Performance of eye blocks by anesthesiologists significantly alters their liability profile, primarily related to permanent eye damage from block needle trauma. Though most peripheral nerve block claims are associated with temporary injuries, local anesthetic toxicity is a major cause of death or brain damage in these claims.