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Perioperative visual loss in ocular and nonocular surgery
Kathleen T Berg1, Andrew R Harrison, Michael S Lee
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Clinical Ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.)
|July 3, 2010
Summary
Perioperative vision loss (POVL) is a rare but serious complication after nonocular surgery, primarily caused by ischemic optic neuropathies (ION). Further research is needed to understand the causes and risk factors for these vision problems.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Surgery
Background:
- Perioperative vision loss (POVL) is an infrequent complication following nonocular surgery, with incidence rates varying by surgical type.
- Ischemic optic neuropathies (ION), including anterior (AION) and posterior (PION), are the most frequent neuro-ophthalmic causes of POVL.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize the reported cases of neuro-ophthalmic complications following nonocular and ocular surgery.
- To highlight the incidence and common causes of POVL.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of case reports detailing POVL after nonocular and ocular surgeries.
- Categorization of POVL causes, including AION, PION, central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), pituitary apoplexy, and cortical blindness.
Main Results:
- AION and PION are the most common causes of POVL after nonocular surgery, particularly following cardiac and spine surgeries, respectively.
- Numerous case reports document AION, PION, CRAO, pituitary apoplexy, and cortical blindness post nonocular surgery.
- POVL incidence appears lower after ocular surgery compared to nonocular surgery.
Conclusions:
- The precise mechanisms and risk factors for neuro-ophthalmic complications after surgery remain largely unknown.
- Healthcare providers should maintain vigilance for potential vision loss in patients during the postoperative period.
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