Corneal Laceration Associated With Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Beyond the Surface: A Systematic Review of Perforating and Penetrating Globe Injuries From Blepharoplasty

PURPOSE

This study aims to address the infrequent but serious complication of globe injuries in blepharoplasty.

METHODS

A case series of 3 patients with globe injuries postblepharoplasty is presented, along with a systematic literature review that revealed 13 previously reported cases. Quantitative and comparative analysis is described.

RESULTS

Injuries ranged from deep thermal burns to full-thickness corneal or scleral lacerations, with one instance of traumatic cataract. The median time from surgery to symptom onset was 1 day, with a concerning median delay of 7 days to presentation to an ophthalmologist. Visual outcomes were generally poor, with nearly all patients experiencing permanent visual morbidity. The systematic review revealed 3 cases of endophthalmitis following perforating scleral injuries. Comparative analysis showed no significant differences in visual outcomes between penetrating and perforating injuries.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study emphasize the need for increased vigilance for globe injuries that require prompt ophthalmological evaluation following blepharoplasty, especially considering the observed delay in presentation and the extent of visual morbidity. The study advocates for improved practitioner training in recognizing and managing these complications and underscores the importance of patient education regarding the potential risks and the necessity of timely postoperative care.

Severe Corneal Damage After Minor Eyelid Surgery: A Case Series

OBJECTIVES

To present three cases of serious corneal complications after seemingly minor and uncomplicated eyelid surgery.

METHODS

These cases emphasize the real-world risk of corneal damage after oculoplastic surgery.

RESULTS

The first case is a 46-year-old man referred to our department with a corneal perforation after bilateral blepharoplasty of both upper and lower eyelids. The second case concerns a 51-year-old woman who suffered an accidental coagulation of the cornea during the removal of upper eyelid papillomas, and the third case is a 55-year-old woman who had severe corneal thinning accompanied by visual loss after an upper lid blepharoplasty. All patients were stabilized without the need for corneal transplantation, although there were significant corneal scars and sequelae.

CONCLUSIONS

Although complications after esthetic oculoplastic surgery are rare, the reported cases show that corneal damage can have a major impact on the patient's vision and quality of life. Strategies such as the use of a corneal shield can be used to mitigate these risks, but their use is debated. Nevertheless, diligent postoperative care is paramount. At the first postoperative visit, a basic visual acuity measurement should be performed. In cases where reduced vision is reported, particularly when accompanied by pain, patients should be urgently referred for specialized eye care.

Reducing Surgical Risks in a Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is one of the commonest procedures performed for facial rejuvenation. The eyelids play a vital role in maintaining ocular surface integrity and visual functioning. Care must be taken to avoid complications that pose a risk to vision and ocular comfort. In addition, cosmetic complications can adversely affect patient satisfaction. Here the authors review the common complications encountered with blepharoplasty surgery and discuss how to minimize the risk of these and how to treat them if they do arise. With careful preoperative patient counseling, sound intraoperative technique, and appropriate postsurgical care, blepharoplasty remains a safe and well-tolerated procedure.

Acute Onset Endophthalmitis Following Bilateral Upper and Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty

A 59-year-old woman presented with iritis and uveitis in the OD approximately 3 weeks after she underwent a bilateral upper and lower blepharoplasty by an outside oculoplastic specialist. Examination revealed a visual acuity of hand motion in the OD, scleral ulceration suspicious for prior globe perforation, dense vitritis, and loculations and membranes on echography. The patient was diagnosed with acute onset exogenous endophthalmitis. Vitreous aspiration and intravitreal injection of vancomycin and ceftazidime were performed. The patient underwent a pars plana vitrectomy, and vitreous culture demonstrated Streptococcus pseudoporcinus . Postoperative vision improved to 4/200 but was limited by a full-thickness macular hole. Despite silicone oil removal and macular hole repair, the macular hole remained open at month 7 and limited vision to 5/200. During eyelid surgery, surgeons should take precautions against intraoperative needle perforation including possible use of protective shield. Postoperative vision loss after eyelid surgery requires further evaluation.

Quadrant Asymmetric Design Contact Lens for Visual Rehabilitation after Eye Trauma

The purpose of this case report is to demonstrate the efficacy of an asymmetric peripheral design scleral contact lens in a case of highly irregular corneal-scleral pattern due to trauma. A 63-year-old patient was involved in a jeep accident which caused a partial-thickness penetrating injury to the peripheral cornea of his left eye. The subsequent corneal irregularity extended beyond the limbus into the sclera which made it difficult to stabilize a contact lens. A quadrant specific peripheral curve (quadrant asymmetric periphery) scleral contact lens successfully resulted in improved comfort and visual acuity. This is the first known published case to use this lens design to correct a post-trauma irregular cornea-scleral relationship. Quadrant asymmetric periphery scleral contact lenses can be effective in cases of severe irregular corneal-scleral patterns.