Complete recovery of filler-induced visual loss following subcutaneous hyaluronidase injection

ABSTRACT

The rise in popularity of hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal filler injection has caused an exceptional increase in the number of cases of reported irreversible blindness. Here, we reported a case of ischemic optic neuropathy and ophthalmoplegia following subcutaneous HA filler injection with complete visual recovery. A 31-year-old Chinese woman presented with sudden onset of right monocular visual impairment associated with diplopia. Patient had received a hyaluronic acid-containing filler injection for nasal dorsum augmentation twelve hours prior to presentation. Visual acuity of the right eye was counting finger. A right relative afferent pupillary defect was demonstrated with ophthalmoplegia. Humphrey visual field test disclosed a right inferior altitudinal field defect with impairment of colour vision. Computed tomography of the orbit revealed mild enlargement of the right medial and inferior recti muscles. Our patient showed a tremendous improvement of vision after a subcutaneous hyaluronidase injection with complete visual recovery within 2 weeks.

KEYWORDS:

• Hyaluronic acid injection
• ischemic optic neuropathy
• ophthalmoplegia
• hyaluronidase

Conflict of interest

The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this case.

Patient Consent

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and any accompanying images.

Additional information

Funding

None.