Can You Go Blind with Blepharoplasty?

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14 Doctor Answers | Asked by cherri in san francisco

Doctor Answers (14)
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Blindness from blepharoplasty is extremely rare

Blindness after a blepharoplasty is an extremely rare complication that can occur from bleeding or infection. Both of those incidences are extremely rare, and we have never seen them in private practice.

Complications with Blepharoplasty

In my per 35 years of experience in practice I have never seen a complication of blindness. It is something that is listed on all consents and is known by most qualified surgeons to be a possible however extremely rare complication of eyelid surgery. It is a complication of postoperative bleeding where pressure builds up and effects the retina and optic nerve possibly causing impairment of vision. Again with good surgical skills, controlling all bleeding during the procedure, proper pre... more

Michael Elam, MD

83 reviews

Orange County Facial Plastic Surgeon

michaelelammd.com

Excessive bleeding is the potential and very rare risk of blindness following blepharoplasty

The cases of blindness following blepharoplasty or eyelid plastic surgery are so rare that one author has reported the occurance in about 1 in 800,000 cases. The risk of bleeding is highest in the first 3 hours after surgery, so monitoring in the recovery area for the first 3 hours eliminates most of the risk that unrecognized bleeding has occcurred. If bleeding is detected early, the bleeding can be stopped and any risk to vision corrected if necessary by procedures designed to remove... more

Blepharoplasty and Blindness

You can. This is a well know risk and complication, although very rare. This procedure may be rather simple but it does have its devasting complications just like any other plastic surgery procedures. There are things that we do in the operating room to prevent this and there are things that we can do to treat this as well. Patients that have a history of high blood pressure that is not well controlled are at greater risk.

Blindness is a potential Blepharoplasty complication

Yes. You can. Blindness associated with Blepharoplasty is a recognized potential complication of Blepharoplasty which happens to be among the rarest of all its complications. EVERY board certified Plastic surgeon is aware of this complication and of its most common cause - bleeding around the eyeball putting pressure on the back of the eye (IE retrobulbar hematoma) and how to prevent and treat it. It is a favorite question on board examination. Personally, I have NEVER seen one nor do I... more

Extremely rare to go blind from Blepharoplasty

This is a very rare complication that could occur due to bleeding inside the eye cone. Increased pressure from the bleeding leads to obstruction of the blood supply to the optic nerve. All board certified plastic surgeons are well trained on ways to prevent this complication and how to treat it very quickly if it happens. Best of luck!

Yes, but fortunately it is a very rare complication.

Excessive bleeding into the eye after lower eyelid surgery may result in blindness. This is because the bleeding into the eye causes so much pressure that the normal blood flow to the eye cannot get through and blindness may result. Fortunately, this is an extremely rare complication . Well-trained eyelid surgeons know of this complication and meticulously control bleeding during surgery. Postoperatively patients are asked to use ice compresses and not to exert themselves, so as not to... more

Absolutely, blindness from Blepharoplasty is a rare but real risk

Dear Cherri The risk of blindness associated with blepharoplasty would primarily be from uncontrolled bleeding behind the eyelid after surgery. The expanding pool of blood in the confined space around the eye raises the pressure to the point where the circulation of blood to the retina is effected resulting in loss of vision. This process is called a retrobulbar hemorrhage. It is rare. One doctor here quotes a figure of 1 in 10,000 cases. This figure seems high. That would mean that last... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

8 reviews

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Blindness after Blepharoplasty

Yes. It is rare in the upper eyelid blepharoplasty but has been reported in lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Typically happens from bleeding inside the fatty tissue of the lower eyelid. If not addressed immediately then pressure from the accumulating blood can cause permanent damage to the optic (eye) nerve causing blindness. Other causes like infection, corneal injury etc are very rare. So, make sure you are off all the medicine that can make you bleed. Better yet, read my instructions below... more

Blindness after blepharoplasty

This is a very rare complication. The usual cause is bleeding that goes unrecognized or a disease that occurs concurrent or as a coincidence such as a retinal artery occlusion, temporal arteritis or stroke. Since you are concerned discuss this with your plastic surgeon to allay any fears you may have. Good luck with your surgery!