Canthoplasty Risks - Blindness?

Any discussion of the risks and benefits of lower eyelid surgery requires the disclosure that, in rare cases, blindness has occurred.  The majority of case reports I have read about involve uncontrolled blood pressure and aspirin use, in an era where the anti-platelet function of aspirin was poorly understood (1970's).  I have personally never seen or heard about a case of blindness related to eyelid surgery in my training, or during my time in practice.  However, informed consent requires a frank discussion of possible untoward effects of surgery and a Surgeon is required in the United States to disclose these risks. The reality:in the hands of a skilled Facial Plastic Surgeon, Plastic Surgeon, or Occuloplastic Surgeon (assuming you follow your preoperative instructions), you have a higher risk of being involved in a traffic accident in a parking lot than losing your vision during a canthoplasty.

The risk of "blindness" after canthoplasty or other eyelid surgeries is very, very rare (secondary to untreated orbital hemorrhage).  Avoiding blood thinners before surgery is a good idea.

Dr Taban

Never have seen , nor heard of this complication with only a canthoplasty. Maybe the surgeon is just covering all possible occurrences.