Subjective visual sensation during vitrectomy under retrobulbar anesthesia.

Abstract

To report a precise illustrated image of patient's view during vitrectomy. Interventional case report. A 56-year-old male with cystoid macular edema (CME) associated with epiretinal membrane underwent vitrectomy. The patient seemed to find gratification in being operated on because he was able to see what was going on. He was a professional artist in computer graphics, and he drew three different pictures depending on the surgical procedures. These pictures depicted the moving of pasty, whirling fluid during core vitrectomy, numerous black or gray spots like snowflakes by intravitrealy injected crystals of triamcinolone acetonide, and a sharp tapered instrument coming into the center and membrane-like material being peeled off. Patients may see a precise shape in a constant size, scale, and detailed movement as well, focused on the retina without described optics. Further investigation will be required to determine this mechanism.