Postoperative visual impairment after spinal fusion surgery.

Objective: The aim of this prospective study was to detect risk factors for visual impairment or changes in vision following spinal fusion surgery.

Methods: A total of 68 patients aged 18-65 years, scheduled for posterior spinal fusion surgery, were included. Ophthalmic examinations were performed by an ophthalmologist on the day before surgery and repeated after the second postoperative day, within the first postoperative week. Patient characteristics were compared according to two clinical outcomes following surgery: worsening of vision during the pre- and postoperative interval (group 1) and no change in pre- and postoperative examinations (group 2).

Results: The mean age of patients with postoperative visual changes was significantly higher than that for patients without postoperative visual changes. Total number of female patients and use of intraoperative ephedrine to treat hypotensive episodes were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 patients.

Conclusion: Older age, female gender and intraoperative hypotensive episodes are potential risk factors for postoperative visual impairment in patients who have undergone spinal fusion surgery.