The rise of cosmetic injectables has seen new clinical scenarios related to complications. The scenario of hyaluronic acid (HA) aesthetic interventional induced visual loss (AIIVL) has become more recognized. While this complication is rare, there can be delayed recognition and treatment, with limited opportunity to evaluate potential treatments and establish best practice guidelines.
We report a case of documented visual recovery with extra-orbital and intra-orbital hyaluronidase. Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is an ischemic event requiring urgent intervention. We hope to assist protocols being developed for HA AIIVL.
Following loss of vision, 675 international units (IU) of hyaluronidase was given immediately to the injection site and extra-orbital area. Within four hours, 3,000 IU intra-orbital and 1,500 IU extra-orbital hyaluronidase was given in the Emergency Department (ED).
Visual loss in a 38-year-old female, following ipsilateral glabella and nasal injection of 0.15 ml of hyaluronic acid filler Juvéderm Voluma via the nasal tip, was documented at no perception of light (NPL) with afferent pupil defect (APD), CRAO, fundoscopy showing a cherry red spot. This was associated with cerebral irritation and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) ischemia. Hyaluronidase was injected as described above. The following day, visual acuity (VA) in the affected eye recovered to 6/18 with a relative superior visual field scotoma. VA improved to 6/6 at one month.
We believe immediate injection, followed by high dose intra-orbital and extra-orbital injection of hyaluronidase, had a positive effect in this case. Recovery of vision was remarkable, from NPL to 6/6, documented at a tertiary referral eye hospital.
© 2021 The Aesthetic Society. Reprints and permission: journals.permissions@oup.com.
About The Expert
Jennifer J Danks
James D Dalgliesh
Tom Ayton
References
PubMed