A previously healthy 38-year-old female developed vision loss after abdominoplasty and liposuction of the back, flanks, infragluteal region, and thighs. Ophthalmic exam revealed bilateral optic nerve edema consistent with postoperative ischemic optic neuropathy. Laboratory workup revealed severe anemia. Despite correction of anemia, the patient suffered permanent visual loss in the left eye. Here, we review the previous reports on ischemic optic neuropathy after liposuction and the 2012 American Society of Anesthesiology Practice Advisory for perioperative vision loss.
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