Central retinal-artery obstruction (CRAO) is a devastating complication after 
retrobulbar anesthesia, a procedure which was previously recommended routinely 
to immobilize the eye and reduce discomfort during laser surgery. Recent 
developments in treatment technique, involving scatter laser applications given 
over several sessions with smaller spot sizes and shorter durations, have 
virtually eliminated the need for retrobulbar injections and the risks of 
retrobulbar hemorrhage, which can cause increased intraocular pressure and 
culminate in closure of the arterial circulation. We present the case of a 
patient with proliferative sickle retinopathy who sustained such a complication 
after direct photocoagulation treatment of sea-fans elsewhere and offer 
alternative treatment techniques which we have used for the past ten years that 
eliminate this hazard.