Long-term Prognosis of Vision Loss Caused by Facial Hyaluronic Acid Injections and the Potential Approaches to Address This Catastrophic Event

• Published in: Aesthetic surgery journal 2023-03, Vol.43 (4), p.484-493
• Main Authors: Zhang, Lei, Zhou, Qingyi, Xu, Hong, Gu, Qinhao, Shi, Hangyan, Pan, Lei, Sun, Yi, Wu, Sufan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Blindness - etiology; Cosmetic Techniques - adverse effects; Dermal Fillers - adverse effects; Face; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid - adverse effects; Hyaluronoglucosaminidase; Prognosis
• ISSN: 1090-820X; 1527-330X
• DOI: 10.1093/asj/sjac329

Abstract Background Vision loss is a serious complication of hyaluronic acid (HA) filler injections, and long-term observations regarding the prognosis, particularly with angiography, are rare. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the long-term prognosis and living status of patients with visual defects due to HA filler injections. Methods Nine patients with vision loss caused by HA filler injections and receiving different treatments were included and followed up for 2 to 6 years after their accident. Follow-ups, including outpatient ophthalmologic examinations, were performed. Results In the follow-up observation, all patients had reintegrated into society and work. The prognosis was similar for all hyaluronidase treatments, including retrobulbar injections and superselective ophthalmic artery thrombolysis. The facial appearance was not remarkably affected, and only 3 patients reported slight scarring. Ptosis disappeared in all the patients, and slight strabismus was found in 5 patients. However, vision improvement was very limited, even in the patients whose occluded retinal central artery received reperfusion. Conclusions This long-term follow-up showed that the patients with vision loss caused by HA filler injections could reintegrate into society after treatment. Although the embolization of the retinal central artery led to reperfusion, vision was not restored, which further demonstrated the difficulty of recovering vision with the current treatment and the importance of prophylaxis. Autohydrolysis of HA by incorporating hyaluronidase-containing stimuli-responsive nanoparticles and a dual-pipe syringe are potential future approaches to address this catastrophic event.