Which injection can potentially affect a patient's vision?

The Gow-Gates technique is notable for its potential to affect a patient's vision because it targets the mandibular nerve (V3), which can have an influence on adjacent structures such as the ophthalmic nerve (V1). When the Gow-Gates technique is performed, there is a risk of the anesthetic solution inadvertently entering the vascular structures, which can lead to an effect on the optic nerve or cause temporary blurred vision as a side effect.

The anatomical proximity of the mandibular nerve to vascular structures that supply the eye makes this block unique in the context of vision-related effects. Although other blocks might affect surrounding tissues or nerves nearby, the Gow-Gates block has the most documented potential connections to vision-related disturbances.

In contrast, injections like the IAN block, the Mental nerve block, and the Maxillary nerve block (V2) are primarily targeting specific areas of the jaw or maxilla and are less likely to influence other sensory pathways, particularly those involved in vision. Therefore, the Gow-Gates technique stands out due to its anatomical considerations and the implications of its proximity to structures that can affect vision.