Dental anaesthesia is one of the most frequently performed medical procedures. Although the frequency of ocular complications is low, these can be alarming and can potentially give rise to medicolegal issues. Dentists and oral surgeons should be well-informed of these adverse reactions. Ophthalmologists and emergency physicians might be required for appropriate care of these patients. Fortunately, most ocular complications related to dental anesthesia are transient. Differential diagnosis includes stroke and intracranial hemorrhage and so vital signs are to be closely monitored. The planned surgical procedure can be carried out once the patient is fully informed and gave consent. The psychological aspect of such unexpected complication must be managed appropriately. We report a case with diplopia and ophthalmoplegia of a reversible and temporary nature. We also include a literature review of ophthalmologic complications after intraoral local anaesthesia in this paper. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(52): 2212–2216.

Approximately 5 min after the local anesthetic's administration, the patient reported double vision when looking left. Otherwise she remained calm, alert, and conscious and she had no other complaints. The pupils were equal and reactive. Limitations of eye movements were confined to abduction of the ipsilateral eye [Figures 1-3] as a consequence of a complete lateral rectus palsy. There was no evidence of ptosis or proptosis. Blanching of the facial skin or color change was not noted. Adequate anesthesia was achieved in both operating areas. Vital signs were found to be normal.The patient was assured that this complication was extremely rare and that her symptoms would resolve spontaneously. Possible postponement of surgery was discussed and a decision was made to proceed with the removal of the teeth. These were performed without further complications. The patient's diplopia improved slightly by the end of surgery, but she was kept under continuous observation. Approximately 2 h after the onset of her symptoms, the double vision nearly fully resolved. She was escorted home by a friend and was advised against driving until Departments of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and