[PERIOPERATIVE VISUAL LOSS AFTER SPINE SURGERY: A CASE REPORT]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neurosurgery
• Anesthesiology

Background:

• Perioperative visual loss (PVL) is a rare but severe complication following spine surgery performed in the prone position.
• The exact incidence, underlying mechanisms, and specific risk factors for PVL remain incompletely understood.
• Ischemic optic neuropathy (ION) is the most frequent cause of PVL in this context.

Observation:

• A case report of a 68-year-old woman who experienced profound left-sided blindness after a lumbar laminectomy in the prone position.
• The patient's visual loss was sudden and complete upon emergence from anesthesia.
• Partial, slow recovery of vision occurred over 72 hours postoperatively.

Findings:

• The described case suggests a potential link between prone spine surgery and acute ischemic optic neuropathy.
• The event underscores the vulnerability of optic nerves during prolonged prone positioning.
• Delayed visual recovery indicates the severity of the ischemic insult.

Implications:

• Further research is crucial to elucidate the precise incidence and mechanisms of PVL in prone spine surgery.
• Identifying and mitigating risk factors are essential for preventing this devastating complication.
• Developing effective preventive strategies is paramount for patient safety in neurosurgical procedures.