Bilateral Visual Loss After Spine Surgery in a Patient With Midfacial Trauma: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neurosurgery
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Spine surgery, particularly in the prone position, carries potential risks.
• Traumatic injuries to the head and neck can have complex consequences.
• Ocular complications following surgery require careful consideration.

Observation:

• A patient presented with bilateral visual loss post-spine surgery.
• The patient had a history of fall with facial and cervical spine trauma.
• Right eye vision loss was attributed to direct blunt ocular injury.
• Left eye vision loss was diagnosed as posterior ischemic optic neuropathy.

Findings:

• Bilateral vision loss occurred in a patient after spinal surgery.
• Right eye vision loss resulted from blunt force trauma.
• Left eye vision loss was a complication of the prone surgical position, leading to posterior ischemic optic neuropathy.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of thorough pre-operative assessment for trauma patients.
• It underscores the risk of posterior ischemic optic neuropathy in prone spine surgery.
• Ophthalmologists and surgeons must be vigilant for both traumatic and surgical ocular complications.