Procedure - Lateral Canthotomy

Question 1

How should you inject lidocaine in the lateral canthus?

Answer 1

Needle directed away from the globe

Question 2

The IOP at which you should perform a lateral canthotomy is what?

Answer 2

40 mm H20

Question 3

Review the steps of the lateral canthotomy.

Answer 3

1) Anesthetize
2) Clamp the lateral canthus for ~1 min
3) Cut the lateral canthus with scissors
4) Cut the inferior canthal tendon
5) Recheck the IOP
6) Cut the superior canthal tendon if IOP still elevated

Question 4

Blindness can occur after how many minutes of IOP > 40 mm H20?

Answer 4

60 minutes