Eye damage due to cosmetic ultrasound treatment: a case report

Rejuvenation of aging eyelids is one of cosmetic changes to the individual to create the appearance of youth. Tightening treatment of eyelid by ultrasonic heat could possibly develop acute eye injury, including acute increase of IOP, cataract and rarely myopia.

A case report of rejuvenation tightening treatment caused eye injury with 6 months’ follow-up. All examinations were performed at a university teaching hospital. A healthy 32-year-old Asian woman had pain, photophobia and blurred vision in the right eye after rejuvenation tightening eye brow treatment. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was 31 mmHg in the right eye. Tyndall phenomena were observed. Visual acuity of the right eye dropped to 20/200 (from 20/20), with best-corrected visual acuities (BCVAs) 20/20. An iris pigment detachment was found. Neuro-ophthalmic examination was relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD) positive with pericentral scotoma in the right eye, indicating optic nerve damage. In the optical quality analysis system (OQAS) exam, the objective scatter index (OSI) was 1.0 in the right eye and 0.7 in the left. Clearing additional plus lens power was difficult for this patient, indicating accommodation spasm in the right eye.

Rejuvenation with intense-focused ultrasound (IFUS) could cause heat injury, leads to acute increase of IOP. Heat damage in zonular fibers could cause accommodation spasm and myopia. Eye injuries caused by IFUS has been seldom reported. We recommend that cosmetic treatment in the eye area should be highly aware of side effect.