From the Research
Visual disturbances after heart ablation are uncommon but possible complications that should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately, as they may indicate a serious underlying condition such as a stroke, air embolism, or migraine triggered by the procedure 1. If you experience any changes in vision following a cardiac ablation procedure, contact your cardiologist or seek emergency care right away. These symptoms could potentially indicate a serious complication, and prompt evaluation is necessary to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. Visual disturbances may include:
- Blurred vision
- Temporary blindness
- Seeing spots or floaters
- Visual field defects
- Flashing lights The risk of these complications is low, but they require prompt evaluation because they could indicate that small blood clots or air bubbles have traveled to the brain or eyes during or after the procedure. Treatment depends on the specific cause but may include blood thinners, anti-inflammatory medications, or other targeted therapies, as described in a study on the management of ischemic arterial disease affecting the retina and occipital lobe 2. Most visual disturbances resolve completely with appropriate treatment, especially if addressed quickly, as seen in a case report of a patient who developed new onset migraine with visual aura after cryoballoon ablation of atrial fibrillation 3. During recovery from ablation, it's essential to follow all post-procedure instructions, take prescribed medications exactly as directed, and attend all follow-up appointments to monitor for any complications, as outlined in a review of the complications of catheter ablation 1. Additionally, a study on the blinding period following ablation therapy for atrial fibrillation highlights the importance of monitoring for proarrhythmic and antiarrhythmic pathophysiological mechanisms that may contribute to visual disturbances 4. Overall, while visual disturbances after heart ablation are rare, they can be a sign of a serious underlying condition, and prompt medical attention is necessary to ensure the best possible outcome.