Is Blindness a Risk of Canthopexy?

Question

is there a risk of getting permanently blind after a canthopexy surgery ?

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

Is blindness a risk after canthopexy?  Yes, but so is tripping on the curb when you go for a walk.  There is no surgical procedure without risk or potential consequence.  At the same time, the risk of visual loss from a surgical procedure on the eyelids is exceedingly small.  In the United States, we are required to inform patients about possible worst case scenarios as part of the informed consent process.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

All eyelid surgery is associated with a very small risk of bleeding behind the eye.  This type of bleeding left untreated can lead to blindness.  The precise risk of this is not clearly defined but has been estimated at about one case in 50,000 or more cases.

Harlow Hollis, MD · Answer

A canthopexy causing blindness must be one of the rarest events in surgery. I've never heard of it. Other blepharoplasty surgery (eyelid surgery) can rarely cause blindness due to an accidental injury to the eye itself or to bleeding that takes place behind the eyeball. A canthopexy does not involve the posterior eyeball space so bleeding in this area should not occur unless surgery is extended there for some other associated reason.

Robert D. Goldstein, MD · Answer

The risk of blindness is related to bleeding that extends into the posterior part of the eye and puts pressure on the optic nerve.  This is a very rare event but it has been reported and can happen

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Canthoplasty is a surgical procedure used to tighten the lower eyelid. The eye should not be injured during a canthoplasty.

Blindness is a very rare complication of eyelid surgery. If it does occur it would most likely be caused by unexpected bleeding putting pressure on the eye. This complication if treated promptly can prevent eye injury and possible blindness.

Is Blindness a Risk of Canthopexy?

Answers (8)

Answer: Is Blindness a Risk of Canthopexy?

Answer: Is Blindness a Risk of Canthopexy?

Answer: Canthoplasty is surgery of the eyelid and should not cause blindness

Answer: Canthoplasty is surgery of the eyelid and should not cause blindness

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Is Blindness a Risk of Canthopexy?

Answers (8)

Answer: Is Blindness a Risk of Canthopexy?

Answer: Is Blindness a Risk of Canthopexy?

Answer: Canthoplasty is surgery of the eyelid and should not cause blindness

Answer: Canthoplasty is surgery of the eyelid and should not cause blindness

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.