Our Summary

The researchers looked at cases of vision loss caused by accidental injections of filler material (like hyaluronic acid and autologous fat) into blood vessels during cosmetic procedures. They found 198 such cases in their review of the relevant literature. These injections were most often done in the central and upper parts of the face, such as the nose and forehead. The researchers found that while there were treatments tried to undo the vision loss, they were often unsuccessful. The study highlights the need for more careful injection practices and more effective treatments for vision loss caused by these types of procedures.

FAQs

  1. What types of filler materials can accidentally cause vision loss during cosmetic procedures?
  2. Where are injections most often done that result in vision loss during cosmetic procedures?
  3. Are there currently any effective treatments for vision loss caused by accidental injections of filler material during cosmetic procedures?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient undergoing ocular surgery to carefully follow all pre-operative instructions, such as avoiding certain medications and fasting before the procedure. It is also important for the patient to inform the surgeon of any previous eye conditions or medications they are taking. After surgery, the patient should diligently follow all post-operative care instructions, including using prescribed eye drops and attending follow-up appointments. It is crucial for the patient to report any unusual symptoms or changes in vision to their doctor immediately.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended ocular surgery include those with:

  • Cataracts: A clouding of the eye’s lens that can cause blurry vision, glare, and difficulty seeing at night.
  • Glaucoma: A group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, leading to vision loss and blindness if left untreated.
  • Retinal disorders: Conditions affecting the retina, such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal detachment, which can cause vision loss.
  • Corneal disorders: Conditions affecting the cornea, such as keratoconus, corneal ulcers, and scarring, which can affect vision and require surgical intervention.
  • Refractive errors: Conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism that can be corrected with procedures like LASIK or PRK surgery.
  • Eye trauma: Injuries to the eye that require surgical repair, such as retinal tears, detached retinas, or foreign object removal.

Timeline

Before ocular surgery:

  1. Patient consults with an ophthalmologist to discuss the need for surgery and potential risks and benefits.
  2. Pre-operative tests and evaluations are conducted to assess the patient’s eye health and determine the best surgical approach.
  3. Patient receives instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including fasting before the procedure and avoiding certain medications.
  4. On the day of surgery, patient checks in at the surgical facility and meets with the surgical team to go over the procedure and address any last-minute concerns.

After ocular surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure under local or general anesthesia, depending on the type of surgery being performed.
  2. After surgery, patient is monitored closely for any immediate complications or side effects.
  3. Patient may experience some discomfort, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light in the days following surgery.
  4. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the healing process and assess the outcome of the surgery.
  5. Patient may be prescribed medications or eye drops to prevent infection, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
  6. Over time, the patient’s vision should gradually improve as the eyes heal and adjust to the changes made during surgery.
  7. Patient may need to follow specific post-operative care instructions, such as wearing protective eye gear or avoiding strenuous activities, to ensure a successful recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with ocular surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of the specific surgery being recommended?
  3. How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery?
  4. What alternative treatment options are available for my condition?
  5. What is the recovery process like after ocular surgery?
  6. Are there any specific pre-operative or post-operative instructions I should follow?
  7. How long will it take for me to see improvements in my vision after surgery?
  8. What are the potential long-term effects of the surgery?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after surgery to protect my eyes?
  10. Can you provide me with information on the potential cost of the surgery and any insurance coverage options?

Reference

Authors: Foster J, Aakalu VK, Freitag SK, McCulley TJ, Tao JP, Vagefi MR, Yen MT, Kim SJ, Wladis EJ. Journal: Ophthalmology. 2025 Aug;132(8):935-944. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2025.01.020. Epub 2025 Mar 31. PMID: 40167411