Risks to vision when undergoing rhinoplasty?

Question

I’m wondering what risks there are to vision in general when undergoing a rhinoplasty procedure. I had done a bit of research about the risks but information on risks to vision are hard to come by.I’m worried about risks to my job if my vision could be affected. Are there instances where blindness has occurred? How often? Are there ways to minimize the risks and what are they? What can I ask my doctor to feel confident moving forward with booking?

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Peoples eyelids may swell after rhinoplasty surgery and cause temporary visual issues, however, most people are able to work at home in front of the computer the day after surgery. I hope that this is helpful. Sincerely, Dr. Joseph

Tyler Okland, MD · Answer

Good evening,
I have never heard of someone losing vision or going blind from a rhinoplasty. I performed close to 400 rhinoplasties in the past year and aside from some bruising in the under-eye area I can't imagine how someone would suffer an injury to the eye during surgery. Something like a blood clot to the artery that supplies the optic nerve during anesthesia is probably more likely than a direct physical injury to the eye, and even that I've never heard of. 
Regarding what to ask your doctor to make sure they are an expert in rhinoplasty; I made a video on this recently on my instagram (@okland.facial.plastic.surgery) but the short of it is to identify their area of expertise. 
Your rhinoplasty surgeon should specialize in rhinoplasty. In other words, they should spend MOST of their operative time doing rhinoplasty (rather than 5 - 15%). Ask them how many they performed in the past year, and make sure they do computer simulation to create a shape you would adore at the center of your face. Hopefully this helps!

Thomas Spalla, MD · Answer

During surgery, the most common ocular injury is a corneal abrasion. This is a scratch to the eye. This can occur while you are being put under anesthesia or awakening from anesthesia. To minimize this risk, your eyes are frequently taped shut by the anesthesia team.

Outside of this, the risk to the orbit during rhinoplasty should be zero. Injury to the orbit and its structures during rhinoplasty would be a significant surgical misadventure and a deviation from the standard of care.

Shabnam Ghazizadeh, MD · Answer

Hi @Luminous204031, Excellent question. I am a facial plastic surgeon and rhinoplasty specialist. No, blindness is not considered a risk of routine rhinoplasty surgery. It is however a real risk with placing nasal filler in the nose for LIQUID rhinoplasty. Best of luck, Dr. Ghazizadeh

William Portuese, MD · Answer

In over 35 years, we've never seen or heard of blindness from a rhinoplasty procedure. Make sure you seek out a rhinoplasty specialist for best results, since rhinoplasty is the most difficult procedure to perform correctly in the entire field of cosmetic surgery

Risks to vision when undergoing rhinoplasty?

Answers (5)