Pressure alopecia following vitreoretinal surgery
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Implantation Protocol of the Foldable Capsular Vitreous Body for Complex Vitreoretinal Surgery
Published on: April 14, 2026
Harit K Bhatt1, Mithlesh C Sharma, Norman P Blair
1Vitreoretinal Service of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 60612, USA.
Purpose:
To describe a patient with pressure alopecia following vitreoretinal surgery.
Design:
Case report.
Methods:
An 11-year-old boy underwent vitreoretinal surgery for left retinal detachment. One week postoperatively, his parents noticed a patch of alopecia where his head may have been in contact with the wrist-rest assembly placed around the head during the surgical procedure.
Results:
Pressure alopecia on the parieto-occipital region of the scalp was observed. Hair regrowth occurred during the follow-up visits.
Conclusion:
Pressure alopecia is a rare complication of lengthy surgery and is underrecognized in ophthalmic practice. Precautions should be taken to avoid this preventable complication.
Related Concept Videos
Glaucoma: Overview
Diabetic Retinopathy
Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
