Ischemic Optic Neuropathy after Liposuction: Case Report and Review

Abstract

A 36-year-old normotensive woman developed symptoms of visual loss and dizziness two days after undergoing a liposuction procedure. When evaluated 10 days afterward, her Snellen acuity was 20/20 OD and 20/25 OS, with mild optic disc swelling OS, mild visual field constriction OD, and an inferior altitudinal defect OS. Hematocrit was 23.5%. After transfusion, her vision stabilized and the dizziness abated. When a patient has undergone a procedure where blood loss can occur, symptoms of visual loss and dizziness should alert the surgeon to the possibility of anemia or hypotension-associated ischemic optic neuropathy.

KEYWORDS:

• Ischemic optic neuropathy
• liposuction