title: Is blindness a realistic complication in blepharoplasty procedures?
abstract: Blindness is a rare but realistic complication in blepharoplasty procedures. Review of 55 case reports in the literature supports this view. The cause or causes of blindness are not precisely clear, but orbital hemorrhage after removal of fat seems to be the most common event associated with visual loss. Preoperative ophthalmologic assessment is highly desirable to document preexistent eye and systemic disease. Exquisite care with removal of fat is essential. Careful postoperative observation without patching is necessary. Management of acute visual loss may be medical, surgical, or both.
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000601:surgery; D001766:Blindness / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005143:Eyelids / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D020221:Optic Nerve Injuries; D009915:Orbit / Q000601:surgery; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000009:adverse effects*