Management of vision loss associated with complications of cosmetic filler injections

TL;DR

This paper reviews how cosmetic filler injections can cause vision loss and suggests a protocol to manage such complications.

Contribution

The paper proposes a stroke-like protocol for managing vision loss due to cosmetic filler embolism, a novel approach in this field.

Findings

Cosmetic filler embolism can lead to vision loss by occluding the ophthalmic artery.

Current treatments lack validation, necessitating a structured protocol for managing such cases.

A stroke-like approach may help restore vision after filler-induced ocular ischemia.

Abstract

Injectable cosmetic fillers have dramatically risen in popularity in recent years. However, as the use of such fillers has become more common, there have been many reports of vision loss secondary to misplaced filler embolizing to the ophthalmic artery resulting in ocular ischemia. Currently, there are no randomized control trials or widely validated clinical guidelines that dictate how injectors should manage ischemic complications of filler embolism. This review aims to explain the possible mechanisms by which a cosmetic filler embolus can occlude the ophthalmic artery, describe the types of treatments that have been attempted thus far, and delineate possible a stroke-like protocol that can be implemented in order to restore perfusion and recover vision after such ischemic complications have occurred.

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