From the Research
Blindness resulting from cosmetic eyelid surgery or levator palpebrae procedures is typically unilateral, affecting one eye rather than both. This complication is rare but serious, and its unilateral nature can be attributed to the separate blood supply and surgical field of each eye, making simultaneous identical complications in both eyes statistically unlikely. The most common cause of this complication is retrobulbar hemorrhage, where bleeding behind the eye creates pressure that compromises blood flow to the optic nerve, usually affecting the eye on the side where surgery was performed 1, 2. Key symptoms to recognize include severe pain, decreased vision, or increased eye pressure, and intervention within 90-120 minutes may prevent permanent vision loss 3, 2. Treatment involves immediate pressure release through suture removal, lateral canthotomy, and possibly medical management with medications to reduce intraocular pressure. It's worth noting that while bilateral blindness is extremely rare, it would typically require separate complications to occur in each eye independently. Preoperative assessment and careful postoperative observation are essential in managing and preventing this complication, as highlighted in various studies 1, 3, 4. However, the most recent and relevant study to this question is not explicitly provided in the given evidence, but based on the available data, the emphasis remains on the rarity and unilateral nature of blindness following such procedures. In real-life clinical practice, prioritizing early recognition and intervention is crucial to minimize the risk of permanent vision loss, aligning with the principles of reducing morbidity, mortality, and improving quality of life. Given the information available, the focus should be on preventing and promptly managing complications to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients undergoing cosmetic eyelid surgery or levator palpebrae procedures.