Risk of Eyelid Surgery Causing Permanent Blindness or Double Vision

asked 1 year ago by John3570
Latest answer by William Portuese, MD
Question viewed 674 times
Tags: blindness, complication, double vision, risk

I Read That Eyelid Surgery Can Cause Permanent Blindness or Double Vision, is This a Risk? How are the eyes protected to avoid this possible risk?

11 answers to Risk of Eyelid Surgery Causing Permanent Blindness or Double Vision

How to avoid complications with eyelid surgery

Dear John, Unfortunately, what we all have to tell our patients is that nothing is without some risk! On my consents, I even have "death" noted as a risk because I can't tell anyone that there is zero chance of that. But the chance of death, double vision, or blindness in these types of cases in a healthy individual is very very low. The chance of double vision occurs if there is damage to the eye muscles during surgery. Make sure that the... more

Jasmine Mohadjer, MD
Clearwater Oculoplastic Surgeon

Eyelid surgery and risks

The chance of permanent blindness or double vision is extremely rare in upper or lower blepharoplasty surgery. Uncontrolled bleeding immediately would cause these types of issues. The eyes are protected during the time of the surgery with corneal eye protectors. We avoid using the laser around the eyes because of any risk of the laser damaging the eyesight. Careful and meticulous surgery is very important and when performed in a controlled surgical environment the risk is very, very... more

William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

Vision problems after blepharoplasty surgery is very rare

There have been rare reported cases of blindness and double vision after blepharoplasty surgery. Blindness is felt to be due to bleeding which extends to the area behind the eye, compressing the optic nerve. IA patient with severe uncontrolled high blood pressure might be at a greater risk for bleeding. Double vision is also rare, and is probably due to injury to a small muscle behind the lower eyelid. Careful surgery by an experienced surgeon will minimize this... more

Roger J. Oldham, MD
Bethesda Plastic Surgeon

Attention to detail essential to avoid complications with eyelid surgery

Caution with an attention to safety is a top priority with any surgical procedure. With eyelid surgery the eye itself must be protected as well as any bleeding controlled. These two problems could lead to vision problems following eyelid surgery. You will be instructed to be off medications that could lead to abnormal bleeding prior to surgery. There is a risk with any procedure but with skill and attention to detail this will be kept to an absolute minimum. ... more

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Blepharoplasty risks

There is no procedure without risk. In fact, the risk of driving to work every day may outweigh those of some procedures offered. The risk of permanent visual damage following blepharoplasty is less than 1%. The best way to avoid this is close observation and follow up. If pain evolves following surgery or there is even a hint of visual obstruction, immediate attention can avoid long term problems. It is sometimes the result of bleeding, which, if... more

Jason R. Hess, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

How to Avoid Blepharoplasty Complications

Eyelid surgery, also known as Blepharoplasty, is usually a very safe and effective procedure. However, there is a very remote risk of serious complications, including double vision, or loss of vision. Loss of vision is extremely rare, and is due to internal bleeding causing nerve damage. In order to minimize any chance of this complication, I insist that my patients avoid any medications that affect blood clotting (ie: no aspirin, ibuprofen, naprosyn), and... more

Pamela B. Rosen, MD
Coral Springs Plastic Surgeon

Eyelid surgery and risks

Yes, this is always possible, but is extremely rare. This is part of the list of things that as a doctor we have to talk about during consultation as part of the risks of surgery, but I will emphasize it is very rare.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

This is absolutely correct.

The risk is very small and your surgeon can take steps to further control and reduce the risk of bleeding behind the eye which is by far the most common basis for this problem. One thing you can do is avoid medications, over the counter products and herbal preparations that are likely to increase the risk of bleeding. Products like Aspirin, Advil, and all nonsteroidal antiiflammatory agents, and herbal products like Ginko increase this risk. Many people are on drugs... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Eyelid Surgery Can Cause Permanent Blindness or Double Vision, is This a Risk

Yes a very rare risk, but still a risk. Discuss in detail with the chosen boarded surgeon. I have never seen blindness with blepharoplasty but I have heard of it in my 30 years of private practice.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Vision loss and double vision are reported complications of eyelid surgery

Vision loss and double vision are known complications of eyelid surgery. Fortunately, these complications are rare. Your surgeon will explain these risks in detail at the time of your consultation. All surgeries do have potential complications and it is important that you consider them carefully when you are making your choices Hope this helps.

J. Timothy Heffernan, MD
Seattle Oculoplastic Surgeon

drtimheffernan.com

Complications of Eyelid Surgery

It is true that both blindness and double vision are potential complications of eyelid surgery. However, these are exceedingly rare complications in experienced, conscientious hands. Informed consent is the Surgeon's duty and it is the patient's responsibility to weigh the risks and benefits of any procedure. See an experienced Facial Plastic Surgeon, Occuloplastic Surgeon, or Plastic surgeon when considering eyelid surgery.