Topical anesthesia for strabismus surgery.

Twenty-two adults underwent strabismus surgery under topical anesthesia over the past 4 years. Benefits of this technique include avoidance of certain hazards of general and retrobulbar anesthesia, the ability to adjust eye position to the patient's satisfaction on the operative table, and expanded options for patients unwilling to undergo general anesthesia. The major disadvantages are the possibility of increased patient discomfort. Patient selection is important.