Blindness as a complication after hyaluronic acid administration - causes, risks and prevention

Blindness as a complication after hyaluronic acid injections

Hyaluronic acid injection blindness is a very rare but extremely serious complication that occurs when the pressure of the injected product exceeds arterial pressure during injection. The risk then increases that the filler will move in the opposite direction of the natural blood flow and enter the major blood vessels, causing obstruction of the retinal artery. The resulting blockage results in vision damage.

In the case of this type of complication, time is of the greatest importance. It is estimated that blindness becomes irreversible if intervention does not occur within 90 minutes after the vessel is blocked.

If you experience symptoms like sudden loss of vision, dark spots in the visual field, double vision or eye pain, you should immediately contact your doctor, who will take the appropriate steps to remove the blockage as soon as possible. Only prompt medical intervention increases the chance of restoring normal vision and reduces the risk of permanent vision damage.

Certain areas of the face are more prone to complications related to the migration of the product into the blood vessels. The nose, cheek and temple areas require special attention and precision during hyaluronic acid treatments. 

Symptoms of blindness after hyaluronic acid administration

• Sudden pain in the eye and cheek area - pain, generally sharp and throbbing, is one of the first signals indicating complications. It can occur both in the eye and cheek areas if the injected product has entered the vessels.
• Visual field loss - the patient may notice that the visual field becomes limited, which may involve partial loss of vision in one eye. In advanced cases, there is complete loss of vision in one eye or both.
• Nausea and vomiting - severe pain, especially around the eyes, can lead to the onset of nausea and vomiting. This is the result of intense pain, which affects the nervous system.
• Other ocular symptoms - there may be convergence of the eyeballs (doubling of the image), changes in pupil function (such as unevenness of the pupils or their lack of response to light).

Blindness as a complication during nose correction

Blindness as a complication after hyaluronic acid administration is an extremely rare but serious consequence. Approximately 100 cases of this type of complication have been reported worldwide so far, most commonly occurring during nose correction or forehead wrinkle filling procedures.

A case of this type of complication has also been reported in Poland. The first symptoms appeared shortly after the completion of a nose correction procedure performed with hyaluronic acid. Despite early signs, such as pain and discomfort, no immediate action was taken to neutralize the effects of improper insertion of the substance. After the procedure, the patient was kept in the cosmetic surgery for several hours for observation, but after she was discharged, no further steps were ordered to monitor her condition. It was not until two days later that the woman returned to the office, this time with serious symptoms - complete loss of visual field in one eye, vomiting, weakness and general deterioration of her health.

The patient was taken to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with irreversible blindness in one eye and symptoms suggestive of an ischemic stroke. Unfortunately, the failure to respond adequately to the early symptoms of complications and the delay in appropriate medical intervention led to the tragic consequences. It also turned out that the hyaluronic acid was administered by an unauthorized person.

Prevention of complications after aesthetic medicine procedures

Aesthetic medicine procedures, although widely recognized as safe, carry the risk of complications. That's why it's so important to have all aesthetic medicine and plastic surgery procedures performed by experienced specialists at a clinic that will provide adequate care before and after the procedure with the highest safety standards. 

Precise dosage and application technique are very important, so at our clinic, treatments are always tailored to the individual patient's needs, taking into account the anatomical structure and skin requirements.

Another precaution is to carefully observe the patient during and after the procedure. If there are any abnormalities, such as pain, resistance or changes in the appearance of the skin, the injection should be stopped immediately. The risk of injection into a blood vessel is reduced by using blunt cannulas instead of sharp needles. Although it does not eliminate it completely, the technique provides greater control over the application site. 

The responsible approach, diligence and experience of the doctors ensure that every procedure at our clinic is carried out with every precaution and in accordance with the best practices of aesthetic medicine.

Patient education - the key to safe aesthetic procedures

An informed patient, who has full knowledge of the potential risks and benefits of the procedures, is able to make the best and informed decision about the procedure. Committed to the highest standards of care, our clinic puts patient education first. We provide sound knowledge and support before each procedure.

Aesthetic treatments are performed exclusively by aesthetic doctors who regularly improve their qualifications by taking part in training and courses. Our specialists not only have extensive experience, but also a full understanding of the anatomy of the face and body, which is very important when performing precise procedures.

Our specialists carefully analyze the patient's needs, proposing solutions that will best meet his expectations. All questions and concerns are explained in detail, as we strive to ensure that every procedure takes place in an atmosphere of trust and the patient has a complete sense of security.

FAQ

What is blindness after hyaluronic acid administration?

Blindness after hyaluronic acid administration is a rare but very serious complication that can occur as a result of the substance being injected incorrectly into the wrong area of the eye or within the blood vessels supplying the eye. Blockage of blood vessels by hyaluronic acid leads to disruption of blood flow to the retina, resulting in vision damage.

What are the causes of blindness after hyaluronic acid injection?

Blindness can occur when hyaluronic acid is injected in the eye area and the particles enter blood vessels, leading to blockage. Other risk factors include improper injection technique, use of excessive doses or inappropriate injection sites.

What are the symptoms of blindness after hyaluronic acid administration?

Symptoms can include sudden loss of vision, seeing through fog or the appearance of dark spots in the visual field, as well as eye pain or sensitivity to light. Sometimes patients also experience double vision or blurred vision.

How quickly should I react if symptoms of blindness appear?

Blindness associated with hyaluronic acid injection requires immediate medical intervention. If any symptoms of vision impairment or loss appear, the patient should contact the doctor performing the procedure or go to the hospital as soon as possible to begin treatment. The sooner the problem is addressed, the greater the chance of a complete restoration of vision.

What are the chances of regaining vision after such a complication?

The chances of regaining vision depend on the speed of treatment and the extent of damage to the vessels and tissues of the eye. The sooner intervention is undertaken, the greater the chance of full or partial restoration of vision.

What precautions will help avoid blindness after hyaluronic acid administration?

To reduce the risk of blindness after a hyaluronic acid procedure, it is important to choose an experienced, certified specialist who uses proper injection technique. It is important that the procedure is carried out in a professional medical center that has the appropriate equipment and facilities for possible emergency operations.

Are there other complications associated with hyaluronic acid injection?

Other possible complications include infection, bruising, swelling, allergic reactions, lumps, and displacement of the injected product. If you have any worrisome symptoms after the procedure, contact your doctor immediately.

What are the recommendations after hyaluronic acid treatment?

After hyaluronic acid treatment, it is recommended to avoid touching and pressing the injection sites, limit sun exposure and avoid intense exercise for several days. It is important to follow the doctor's recommendations for skin care after the procedure to reduce the risk of complications.

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