Long-term Outcomes of Ophthalmic and Retinal Artery Occlusion After Cosmetic Facial Filler Injection

Abstract

Abstract Background Ophthalmic artery occlusion (OAO) and retinal artery occlusion (RAO) after facial filler injection have become increasingly significant due to the growth in cosmetic injection procedures for aesthetic purposes. Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze the long-term visual outcomes and complications of cosmetic facial filler–related OAO and RAO. Methods This single-center, retrospective case series included 17 eyes of 16 filler-related OAO or RAO patients with a follow-up period of 1 year or longer. Main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and long-term complications. Results The mean [standard deviation] age at diagnosis was 31.7 [9.7] years; all the patients were female. The mean follow-up period was 5.4 [2.4] years. The mean BCVA was 2.34 and 2.41 logMAR at the initial and final visits, respectively, which indicates sustained long-term visual impairment. Ocular complications included retinal atrophy and degeneration (100.0%), optic atrophy and blindess (no light perception) (82.4%), strabismus (80.0%), retinal fibrous membrane (68.8%), posterior synechiae (35.3%), neovascularization (29.4%), iris atrophy and cataract (23.5%), corneal opacity and phthisis bulbi (17.6%), visual field defect and iris defect (11.8%), ophthalmoplegia (7.7%), and pupillary block (5.9%). Extraocular complications of brain infarction and depression were found in 25.0%, whereas skin necrosis was found in 13.3% of patients. Conclusions Facial filler–related OAO or RAO resulted in long-term poor visual outcome, and most of the patients experienced irreversible visual impairment with no light perception despite various treatments. Various long-term ocular and extraocular complications were observed, which should be monitored for a long-term follow-up period. Our findings suggest that prevention should be emphasized more than treatment. Level of Evidence: 4