Dermal filler injection is among facial rejuvenation treatments that have been increasingly used. Despite being a minimally invasive procedure, it can lead to severe complications such as blindness. A review of all cases of filler- -induced visual loss in the world literature was conducted to summarize the mechanisms, anatomical considerations, and clinical ophthalmologic course, current strategies of prevention and management, and trends over the years.
We identified cases of filler-induced visual loss, and patients had a severe visual impairment in at least one eye. The typical patients are young women who received injections of hyaluronic acid or autologous fat in the glabella or nose, and the typical presentations were sudden ocular pain, ptosis, and ophthalmoplegia due to vascular occlusion.
The findings of this study also suggest an increase in the number of unlicensed professionals performing the procedure. Even though the continued development of dermal fillers has improved the treatment options available, further studies and strategies are necessary to reduce the incidence and minimize the consequences of filler-induced visual loss.
As the life expectancy is increasing, more people now seek procedures to counterbalance facial aging. Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected under the skin to increase volume through a fast and low-cost procedure with minimum pain. Although the risk of complications is low, dermal fillers can be disastrous, as they can cause blindness, stroke, or even death when injected in the face. This minimally invasive procedure is usually performed by dermatologists and plastic surgeons.
However, complications that lead to visual loss require immediate referral to an ophthalmologist. A review of literature was conducted to summarize the mechanisms, vascular anatomic considerations, clinical course, and current strategies of prevention and management of filler-induced visual loss to facilitate eye care.
