Retrobulbar Injection for Hyaluronic Acid Gel Filler-Induced Blindness: A Review of Efficacy and Technique

Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2019 Aug;43(4):1034-1040. doi: 10.1007/s00266-019-01388-4. Epub 2019 May 7.

Abstract

While blindness after hyaluronic acid gel filler injection occurs only very rarely, it represents a devastating complication for the patient and the surgeon. Retrobulbar injection with hyaluronidase is the only known potential means of reversing this adverse event. However, positive outcomes remain anecdotal. We have attempted to review the current literature regarding possible efficacy and detail the indications and technique to be utilized, if hyaluronidase retrobulbar injection is to be attempted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Keywords: Filler-induced blindness; Fillers; Hyaluronic acid; Hyaluronidase; Retrobulbar hyaluronidase; Retrobulbar injection.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blindness / chemically induced*
  • Blindness / drug therapy*
  • Cosmetic Techniques / adverse effects
  • Dermal Fillers / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyaluronic Acid / adverse effects*
  • Hyaluronic Acid / pharmacology
  • Hyaluronoglucosaminidase / administration & dosage*
  • Injections, Intralesional
  • Male
  • Prognosis
  • Recovery of Function
  • Risk Assessment
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Dermal Fillers
  • Hyaluronic Acid
  • Hyaluronoglucosaminidase