Efficacy of Retrobulbar Hyaluronidase Injection for Vision Loss Resulting from Hyaluronic Acid Filler Embolization.

Background: Vision loss is a rare but serious complication of facial hyaluronic acid (HA) filler injection, for which there is no proven rescue therapy. Retrobulbar hyaluronidase injection is advocated by many plastic surgeons as an emergency treatment, but has not been carefully assessed for its efficacy.

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of retrobulbar hyaluronidase injection as a rescue treatment for vision loss caused by HA filler embolization.

Methods: Patients with vision loss caused by HA filler embolization were treated with retrobulbar hyaluronidase injection. Their visual acuity and fundoscopic images before and after treatment were analyzed for efficacy assessment.

Results: One patient with branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO), one patient with posterior ischemic optic neuropathy (PION), one patient with ophthalmic artery occlusion, and one patient with both BRAO and PION were treated with one or two retrobulbar injections of 1500 or 3000 units hyaluronidase. No patients demonstrated substantial retinal artery recanalization or vision acuity improvement after treatment.

Conclusions: One or two retrobulbar injections of 1500 to 3000 IU hyaluronidase are unable to recanalize retinal artery occlusion or improve the visual outcome of patients who presented with vision loss caused by HA filler embolization at least four hours after onset.

Level Of Evidence: 4.