What could occur if an eye drape is positioned too tightly around the eye during surgery?

Positioning an eye drape too tightly around the eye during surgery can indeed lead to a rise in intraocular pressure. This is significant because intraocular pressure is critical to maintaining the shape of the eye and ensuring optimal conditions for the surgical procedure being performed. If the drape compresses the eye too much, it can obstruct normal venous return from the eye, leading to increased pressure within the eye's internal structures.

Sustained elevated intraocular pressure can compromise blood flow to the optic nerve and other ocular tissues, potentially resulting in damage that can affect vision. This is especially pertinent during surgeries that involve delicate structures within the eye, as maintaining a stable environment is crucial for the success of the procedure and the preservation of the patient's vision.

Other options, while relevant to surgical practices, do not directly address the primary concern of pressure changes caused by draping. Reduced visibility may occur due to various factors but is not an immediate result of the drape's tightness. Increased risk of infection typically relates to improper sterile technique rather than how tightly the drape is applied. Lastly, while tight positioning could theoretically affect instruments, the primary risk associated with pressure is linked to intraocular conditions rather than instrument accommodation.