The photic sneeze reflex and ocular anesthesia.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Intravenous sedation to minimize discomfort from local anesthetic injection has many potential complications including severe involuntary sneezing (i.s.). This prospective study evaluates the occurrence of i.s. and a history of photic sneezing (p.s.).

METHODS AND MATERIALS: All patients receiving local anesthesia (retrobulbar or periocular injections) after intravenous thiopentone for eye surgery during eight months were asked about p.s. and observed for i.s.

RESULTS

The 557 patients (40% males) had a mean age of 69.9 years and 14% recalled p.s. (29.5% males). I.s. developed in 5.2% of the 557. Only 7.6% of those with p.s. developed i.s. After periocular injections 23.8% developed as compared to 4.5% after retrobulbar injections. (P < 0.001). There was no relationship between p.s. and i.s. (p = 0.43).

CONCLUSION

I.s. is not linked to p.s., with males and females at equal risk for either. I.s. is more common after periocular injections.