Visual loss following dacryocystectomy

Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging. 2006 Nov-Dec;37(6):494-6. doi: 10.3928/15428877-20061101-10.

Abstract

Dacryocystectomy is the surgery of choice for elderly patients with chronic dacryocystitis with a fibrotic sac. Although a simple procedure, it can cause serious complications (however rare) such as visual impairment. A 65-year-old woman who underwent bilateral dacryocystectomy is described. On the first postoperative day, she complained of pain in her left eye. Her visual acuity was light perception in the left eye. Computed tomography scan of the orbit revealed a retrobulbar hematoma on the left eye. The hematoma was drained, but the patient did not regain vision. A rare complication of visual loss following dacryocystectomy is described.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Blindness / diagnosis
  • Blindness / etiology*
  • Dacryocystitis / diagnostic imaging
  • Dacryocystitis / pathology
  • Dacryocystitis / surgery*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drainage
  • Female
  • Fibrosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Fibrosis / pathology
  • Fibrosis / surgery
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Nasolacrimal Duct / diagnostic imaging
  • Nasolacrimal Duct / pathology
  • Nasolacrimal Duct / surgery*
  • Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / adverse effects*
  • Postoperative Complications*
  • Retrobulbar Hemorrhage / complications*
  • Retrobulbar Hemorrhage / diagnostic imaging
  • Retrobulbar Hemorrhage / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed