Unilateral blindness due to retrobulbar hematoma after lower blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures for people who are concerned with minimizing the effects of aging and maintaining an aesthetically attractive appearance. If periorbital surgery is not performed by an expert, the risk of complications increases. In particular, retrobulbar hematoma, which is the most serious complication after blepharoplasty, can lead to permanent blindness. We report a rare case of unilateral permanent blindness due to careless and unprofessional treatment following a retrobulbar hematoma after lower blepharoplasty. In conclusion, it is necessary to check for symptoms and signs including pain, proptosis, visual acuity, and light reflex after the operation. Careful instructions should then be given to patients and their caregivers to avoid actions that may cause postoperative bleeding. We emphasize that if a patient complains of symptoms, painkillers should not be used and computed tomography should be performed for an accurate and rapid diagnosis. Appropriate procedures must then be taken to prevent permanent vision loss.

A Case of Superior Orbital Fissure Syndrome Induced by Penetrating Orbital Injury

PURPOSE: We report a case of superior orbital fissure syndrome induced by penetrating orbital injury caused by a steel wire and analyzed the clinical outcomes. CASE SUMMARY: A 49-year-old female visited our clinic after a penetrating orbital injury through the right inferolateral conjunctiva caused by a steel wire. The best corrected visual acuity of the right eye was 0.8 and a fixed dilated pupil was detected. Partial ptosis and ophthalmoplegia were observed in the right eye. The computed tomography image revealed no sign of orbital wall fracture, retrobulbar hemorrhage or foreign body. Slightly increased signal intensity was observed on the magnetic resonance image but other abnormal findings of the extraocular muscle and optic nerve were not detected. Under the impression of superior orbital fissure syndrome, systemic steroid was administered orally. After 1 month, ptosis and ophthalmoplegia were partially improved. After 3 months, the pupil size and response were normalized. CONCLUSIONS: The oral steroid treatment was given to reduce the edema without orbital wall fracture after the penetrating orbital injury, which caused the superior orbital fissure syndrome. The symptom was relieved 3 months after the injury.

Orbital Morphology for Decompression Surgery in Thyroid Eye Disease Using 2-D Orbital CT and 4 Parameters

PURPOSE: To present easily measurable 2D orbit computed tomography (CT) reference data that can be used in a preoperative study for orbital decompression and classification of individual orbital morphologies. METHODS: The study sample was composed of 77 patients with orbital contusion (42 Asian males + 35 Asian females = 154 orbits) who visited the emergency room of the Korea University Guro Hospital from September 2012 to June 2013. Patients with orbital wall fracture, retrobulbar hemorrhage, or eyeball rupture were excluded. Medical records including 2D orbit or facial bone CT were retrospectively reviewed and 4 orbital parameters (orbital length, OL; globe length, GL; GL/OL ratio and 2D cone angle) were measured. RESULTS: The average OL was 42.53 +/- 2.46 mm (35.63-49.09 mm) and average GL was 24.83 +/- 1.09 mm (22.75-28.13 mm). The average GL/OL ratio using these 2 parameters was 0.59 +/- 0.04 (0.50-0.68). The posterior cone angle was on average, 45.96 +/- 5.91degrees (29.35-60.04degrees). CONCLUSIONS: Simple measurement of 4 parameters using 2D orbit CT and classification of Asian individual orbital morphology may help in the choice of the most effective surgical technique for decompression surgery in thyroid eye disease patients.

Retrobulbar Hematoma in Blow-Out Fracture after Open Reduction

Retrobulbar hemorrhage, especially when associated with visual loss, is a rare but significant complication after facial bone reconstruction. In this article, two cases of retrobulbar hematoma after surgical repair of blow-out fracture are reported. In one patient, permanent loss of vision was involved, but with the other patient, we were able to prevent this by performing immediate decompression after definite diagnosis. We present our clinical experience with regard to the treatment process and method for prevention of retrobulbar hematoma using a scalp vein set tube and a negative pressure drainage system.

A Case of Orbital Apex Syndrome Induced by Penetrating Orbital Injury with Long-Term Results

PURPOSE: To report a case of orbital apex syndrome induced by penetrating orbital injury by a wire with the recovery process and clinical outcomes. CASE SUMMARY: A 40-year-old female visited our clinic after a penetrating orbital injury through the left inferomedial conjunctiva by a wire. The best corrected visual acuity of the left eye was 0.6, and ptosis and total ophthalmoplegia were observed. The patient showed a dilated pupil, swelling of the optic disc on fundus exam, and an inferior field defect on the automated perimetry. The computed tomography image revealed mild retrobulbar hemorrhage, but there was no orbital bony fracture. Enhancement of the optic nerve sheath was observed on the magnetic resonance image. The patient was admitted and received systemic antibiotics and steroid treatment. After 1 month, visual acuity, ptosis, and limitation in adduction were partly improved. After 3 months, depression and adduction were improved and the pupil size was normalized. However, further improvement was not observed after the one-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The recovery from orbital apex syndrome was achieved until 3 months after injury. The final outcomes may depend on the mechanism and pathophysiology of the injury. Emergent diagnosis and proper management are essential to achieve optimal clinical results.

A Case Report of Bilateral Retrobulbar Hemorrhage after Lower Blepharoplasty

Retrobulbar hemorrhage is a rare but serious complication after blepharoplasty, mid-face injury, and treatment of facial bone fractures. The incidence of postoperative retrobulbar hemorrhage is 0.055% with an incidence of associated permanent blindness of 0.005%. A 69-year-old male came to the emergency room with pain on both orbital areas and uncontrolled bleeding after cosmetic lower blepharoplasty performed at a private clinic. He had not been evaluated preoperatively by the private clinic, but we found that he had undergone percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and taken anticoagulants for 10 years. We performed an emergency operation to evacuate the hematoma. However, after surgery, he persistently complained of orbital pain, pressure and diminished visual acuity. Intraocular pressure was increased, and computed tomography demonstrated a retrobulbar hemorrhage with globe displacement. Emergent lateral canthotomy and cantholysis were performed. Intraocular pressure was decreased to 48/30 mm Hg immediately after the operation, falling within the normal range the next day. We recommend three points to minimize loss of vision by retrobulbar hematoma. Firstly, careful preoperative evaluation must be conducted including current medications, underlying diseases and previous history of surgeries. Secondly, cautious postoperative observation is important for the early diagnosis of retrobulbar hematoma. Lastly, immediate treatment is crucial to prevent permanent blindness.

Delayed Retrobulbar Hemorrhage after Orbital Floor Reconstruction

PURPOSE: Retrobulbar hemorrhage is a rare complication followed by blepharoplasty, trauma, orbital reconstruction, and so on. Most of the cases occur within 24 hours, half of them in the first 6 hours. Some authors have reported delayed retrobulbar hemorrhage after blepharoplasty and trauma within 1 day to 9 days. However, there have been few reports of delayed retrobulbar hemorrhage resulting from the complication of orbital reconstruction. METHODS: A 22-year-old male underwent orbital floor reconstruction due to the orbital floor fracture. In 84 hours after the surgery, he complained sudden onset orbital pain and decreased visual acuity immediately after defecation. Intraocular pressure was unmeasurable due to the swelling at that time. Emergency computed tomography was performed. RESULTS: Computed tomography revealed subperiosteal hematoma on inferior orbital wall extended to the apex. Emergency decompressive surgery was performed within 1 hour. After evacuation of hematoma, orbital symptom was improved and visual acuity was restored. CONCLUSION: Delayed retrobulbar hemorrhage is rare but vision-threatening.Therefore early diagnosis and treatment of delayed retrobulbar hemorrhage is thought to be crucial. The cause of delayed hemorrhage was not clear, however, valsalva maneuver might be the cause of hemorrhage.

Bilateral Retrobulbar Hemorrhage and Visual Loss Following Traumatic Asphyxia

Retrobulbar hemorrhage and permanent visual loss are rare presentations following traumatic asphyxia. In this case, bilateral permanent visual disturbance developed in a woman after chest-crushing trauma without direct trauma to the orbits. A computed tomography scan confirmed bilateral retrobulbar hemorrhages. An ophthalmologic exam revealed bilateral subconjunctival hemorrhages and severe lid edema. Despite high-dose steroid therapy, visual recovery was limited, and optic nerve atrophy developed. Ischemia of the optic nerve associated with retrobulbar hemorrhage may be postulated as one of the causes of permanent visual impairment following traumatic asphyxia.

Severe Traumatic Intraocular Injuries Related to Blowout Fractures

PURPOSE: Blunt trauma can cause a wide range of ocular injuries. This study was performed to describe the prevalence of severe intraocular injuries (SIOI) and their correlation with the severity of blunt orbital trauma. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 117 eyes of 107 patients with orbital wall fractures who visited the emergency room at Konyang University Hospital from July 2006 to June 2008. Clinical features such as age, sex, causes of injury, revised trauma score (RTS), type of orbital wall fractures were recorded. The patients were divided into two groups: blowout fracture with severe intraocular injuries (SIOI) and blowout fracture without SIOI. We compared the clinical and the injury-related characteristics between two groups and analyzed the SIOS-related factors. RESULTS: Among the 107 patients (117 eyes) with blowout fractures, 29 (27.1%) patients with 32 eyes (25.6%) had complicated severe intraocular injuries. Retrobulbar hemorrhage (14.5%), hyphema (13.7%), traumatic optic nerve injury (4.3%), and sustained loss of visual acuity (4.3%) were the most common SIOI disorders. A logistic regression analysis revealed that loss of visual acuity (odds ratio = 4.75) and eyeball motility disorder (odds ratio=7.61) were significantly associated with SIOS. CONCLUSION: We suggest that blowout fracture patients with loss of visual acuity or eyeball motility disorder are mostly likely to have severe intraocular injuries, so they need an ophthalmologic evaluation immediately.

A Case of Traumatic Optic Nerve Injury due to Gunshot

PURPOSE: There have been no reports of optic nerve injuries caused by gunshot in Korea. We describe such an injury and report the treatment outcomes. CASE SUMMARY: A patient visited our hospital complaining of visual disturbance after her right zygomatic bone had been shot with an airgun during a suicide attempt in September 2006. A visual acuity test, pupillary light reflex test, fundus examination, skull X-ray, and computed tomography (CT) were performed. At the initial examination, the right eye had no light perception. The pupillary light reflex test revealed an afferent pupillary defect, and the fundus examination showed central retinal artery occlusion. The skull X-ray and computed tomography revealed a fracture of the right medial and lateral orbital walls as well as a partial injury to the medial rectus muscle. In addition, right retrobulbar hemorrhage and metallic foreign bodies were observed in the right orbit. Under general anesthesia, disinsertion of the superior and lateral rectus muscles was performed, and the metallic foreign bodies in the right orbit were removed. The surgical incision was then closed. A Krimsky prism test performed 7 days after surgery revealed an approximately 15 prism diopters of exodeviation of the right eye. CONCLUSIONS: We report a case of optic nerve injury caused by a gunshot.

A Case of Retrobulbar Hemorrhage after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery with Microdebrider

Retrobulbar hemorrhage is one of the major complications following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) with a microdebrider. Symptoms and physical findings include temporary blindness, ophthalmoplegia, mydriasis, ptosis, proptosis and eyelid ecchymosis. Recently, we experienced a case of retrobulbar hemorrhage after an ESS with a microdebrider resulting from anterior ethmoid artery rupture. We hereby present this case with an emphasis on the importance of prevention, identification and management of retrobulbar hematoma.

Visual recovery following emergent orbital decompression in traumatic retrobulbar haemorrhage

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Acute retrobulbar haemorrhage is a potentially sight-threatening condition, and can follow retrobulbar anaesthesia or trauma to the orbit. Acute loss of vision can occur with retrobulbar haemorrhage and is reversible if the condition is recognised and treated early.</p><p><b>CLINICAL PICTURE</b>We report a case of acute retrobulbar haemorrhage following orbital trauma in a 78-year-old Chinese lady.</p><p><b>TREATMENT</b>The patient was on follow-up for a mature cataract in the right eye and had been scheduled for cataract surgery. The patient presented to the emergency department with acute loss of vision in the right eye, severe proptosis and tense periorbital haematoma after she hit her right face following a fall. Computed tomography scans revealed fractures of the floor, lateral and medial walls of the right orbit as well as retrobulbar and periorbital haematoma. There was marked proptosis and tenting of the globe with stretching of the optic nerve. Emergent lateral canthotomy and cantholysis was performed at the emergency department. The patient subsequently underwent surgical evacuation of the orbital haematoma.</p><p><b>OUTCOME</b>The patient's vision in the right eye recovered from no perception of light to light perception over the next few days. After a month of follow-up, the patient underwent right cataract surgery, and her best corrected visual acuity was 6/12 part.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In severe acute retrobulbar haemorrhage, prompt surgical evacuation of the haematoma can reverse visual loss.</p>

Blindness after cosmetic blepharoplasty: case report

Blefaroplastia é uma das cirurgias mais comumente realizadas para o rejuvenescimento da região periorbitária. Apresentamos um caso de perda visual unilateral permanente após blefaroplastia de pálpebras inferiores com remoção de gordura. A etiologia da hemorragia retrobulbar após a blefaroplastia, o tratamento e recomendações para reduzir o risco desta rara e séria complicação são discutidos.

Intraorbital Cysticercosis Treatment with Lateral Orbitotomy

A 33-year-old female from Uzbekistan visited our hospital with symptoms of right blurred vision, ocular pain which were exacerbated by ocular movement, and exophthalmosis for 2 months. Preoperative facial CT scan showed 3.2x2.4cm-sized cystic mass at the right retrobulbar area. The mass was located at temporal aspect of retrobulbar area and displaced optic nerve medially. Right eyeball was anteriorly displaced at the degree of 7mm than left one and intra-ocular pressure was raised as 32 mmHg compared with left one which estimated at 15 mmHg. Removal of cytic mass was performed using lateral orbitotomy. After incision was made through Stellard- Wright incision, dissection was done to lateral outer orbital periosteum then the periosteum each side of lateral orbit were dissected for lateral orbitotomy. Removal of lateral orbital wall, which was enough to removal cystic mass, by lateral orbitotomy, was done then lateral rectus muscle was divided without cutting. Cystic mass could be resected after lateral rectus muscle was divided and resected lateral orbital bone piece was re-located and fixed by absorbable miniplate. A satisfactory result could be obtained by this procedure. Postoperative intra-ocular pressure was lowerd as 15mm Hg and exophthalmosis was corrected at the degree of 1mm on Hertel's exophthalmometery and visual acuity improved at the degree of 1.0 on optomety compared with preoperative one which estimated 0.04. Preoperative symptoms such as ocular pain, foreign body sensation, headache were disappeared without any complication just like retrobulbar hemorrhage, infection etc.

A case of Retrobulbar Intramuscular Hematoma

PURPOSE: To report a case of retrobulbar hematoma within the lateral rectus muscle which resulted in sight-threatening complication. METHODS: A 40-year-old male presented with a chief complaint of painless mass and exophthalmos. Exicional biopsy via lateral orbitotomy and direct decompression of the muscle were performed to the diagnosis and treatment. RESULTS: After decompression, improvement of the exophthalmos was achieved. This case illustrated a potentially serious complication of retrobulbar hematoma following minor periorbital trauma. The successful outcome may be achieved by rapid diagnosis and intervention.

The Complications Developed after Repeated Botulinum Toxin Injection

PURPOSE: To investigate the incidence of complication associated with repeated botulinum toxin chemodenervation in extraocular muscle. METHODS: 47 patients who had taken botulinum toxin chemodenervation from 1996 to November 2001 were reviewed retrospectively. 10 patients had taken repeated injection. Saline diluted botulinum toxin was directly injected into the extraocular muscle through the Teflon coated needle. RESULTS: In 10 patients, 5 patients had complications which were 2 cases of hypertropia, 2 cases of ptosis and 1 case of retrobulbar hemorrhage who was 44 year old woman taken 5 times of botulinum toxin injection. She was successfully treated with lateral canthotomy and cantholysis. CONCLUSIONS: Rate of complication in repeated botulinum toxin chemodenervation was not different from that of single procedure. We experienced one case of retrobulbar hemorrhage in 10 patients with repeated botulinum injection.

Two Cases of Orbital Apex Syndrome

PURPOSE: To report two cases of orbital apex syndrome: one induced by penetrating orbital injury and the other by severe optic nerve swelling associated with bacterial meningitis. METHODS: We have experienced a 40-year-old male after penetrating orbital injury who complained of loss of vision, ocular pain, ptosis, hypesthesia of forehead, and total ophthalmoplegia. The CT image of this patient showed a severe retrobulbar hemorrhage and marked enlargements of extraocular muscles. In a 62-year-old male who had a same symptom after headache and decreased mentality, a bacterial meningitis was diagnosed from CSF study and we saw a very severe swelling of the unilateral entire optic nerve and optic nerve sheath in CT. We managed these two patients with a large amount of systemic RESULTS: In 40-year-old man, there were improvements of ptosis and visual acuity from negative light perception to positive, but ophthalmoplegia was not improved. In 62-year-old man, ptosis and ophthalmo-plegia were improved after early antibiotics administration and papilledema disappeared two months after development, but visual acuity was not improved from negative light perception.

Clinical Evaluation of Medpor(r) Orbital Implant

Recently the high-density porous polyethylene[Medpor(r)]has been used as a new orbital implant for the reconstruction after enucleation or evisceration to reduce the implant exposure and migration, and to increase the prosthesis motility. We performed 16 cases of Medpor(r) orbital implantation combined with enucleation, evisceration or secondary orbital implantation between November 1997 and December 1998. Then, we investigated the postoperative complication, prosthesis motility, fibrovascular ingrowth pattern into the implant and MCP[Medpor(r) Coupling Post]insertion to increase the prosthesis motility for the average of 10 months [range, 6 to 18 months]. We performed a total of 16 cases of implantation :10 cases after evisceration, 5 cases after enucleation and 1 case as secondary implantation. There were 3 cases of conjunctival dehiscence, 1 case of retrobulbar hemorrhage and 1 case of superior sulcus deformity. There were no implant exposure, migration or severe inflammation. Postoperative prosthesis motility was found in 13 cases as good, 2 cases as fair and 1 case as poor. After enucleation or evisceration, Medpor(r) orbital implantation showed no significant difference from the previous porous orbital implants in postoper ative complication, prosthesis motility and fibrovascular ingrowth into the implant. It appears to be a good orbital implant because of the lower material cost, convenience in the operative procedure and other advantages. But long-term follow-up may be necessary for the detection of clinical change, the complication of MCP insertion and for the evaluation of the fibrovascular ingrowth pattern after Medpor(r) implantation.

Doppler colorido na análise da circulaçäo retrobulbar de olhos glaucomatosos com hemorragia do disco óptico / Color doppler in the investigation of retrobulbar circulation in glaucomatous patients

O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a circulaçäo retrobulbar de pacientes glaucomatosos que apresentaram hemorragia do disco óptico (HDO), utilizando o Doppler colorido. Foram estudados 28 olhos glaucomatosos (15 com HDO) e 10 olhos normais. Foram medidas as velocidades sistólica máxima e diastólica final, e calculado o índice de resistência das artérias oftálmica, central da retina e artéria ciliar posterior curta temporal. Näo se observou diferenças estatísticas significativas nos parâmetros medidos nos três, com exceçäo da velocidade sistólica máxima na artéria central da retina, que foi significativamente menor nos olhos glaucomatosos em comparaçäo aos olhos normais

A Case of Severe Neurological Damage and Blindness after Infection of Lidocaine for Cataract Operation

At the present time, lidocaine is commonly used in ophthalmic surgery as a local anesthetic. Although it is safer than general anesthesia, visionthreatening and even life-threatening side effect can occur rarely. We report one case of visual loss combined with severe neurologic damage after local injection of lidocaine. Fifty-year-old male patient underwent phacoemulsification and IOL transscleral implantation with unplanned anterior vitrectomy after Nadbath-Ellis akinesia and retrobulbar anesthesia with lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine. After operation, the patient had visual loss, facial palsy, total ophthalmoplegia, severe proptosis and submandibular swelling. There were no evidences of eyeball perforation, retrobulbar hemorrhage, and direct nerve injury. Although the mechanism of nerve injury is not well explainable, we suggest lidocaine toxic reaction. To our knowledge, This is the first reported case in the literature. We report this case with available literature review.