Bilateral Visual Loss after Lower Lid Blepharoplasty

ABSTRACT

Blindness following blepharoplasty is a rare but disastrous complication. We present a patient who was referred to us following blepharoplasty by an unauthorized erson, including orbital fat removal in lower lids with subsequent onset of permanent bilateral visual loss. Clinical and radiographic evidence suggested orbital hemorrhage was the cause of visual loss in both eyes. In particular, electrophysiologic tests indicated that optic nerve dysfunction was responsible for loss of vision.Visual acuity in both eyes has not improved following bilateral orbital decompression. Blindness following blepharoplasty can be avoided with prompt decompression in one or two hours after inappro- priate blood supply to optic nerve. Cautious hemostasis during operation and timely orbital decompression is the cornerstone to prevent this catastrophic complication.