Eyeing risks: Navigating ophthalmic challenges in sinus surgery

Abstract

This is a descriptive case report of a 25-year-old male who presented with right eye diminution of vision associated with ophthalmoplegia and strabismus following functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) for deviated nasal septum. On examination, he had a large angle right exotropia with enophthalmos and restricted extra ocular movements. Pupils were dilated and fixed suggestive of optic neuropathy and fundus revealed a central retinal artery occlusion. Multimodal radiological imaging revealed optic nerve sheath hematoma, fracture of medial orbital wall and orbital floor along with medial rectus disinsertion with posterior discontinuation. Due to delayed presentation at our clinic, he was managed conservatively with intravenous and oral corticosteroids. The patient displayed mild improvement in ocular movement and vision. He was advised orbital reconstruction of the medial wall and floor for enophthalmos correction and cosmesis. Although a relatively safe procedure, FESS can result into varied orbital complications, including damage to the extraocular muscles, optic nerve and its vascular supply. This case report, to the best of our knowledge is the first of its kind to document ophthalmoplegia due to medial rectus disinsertion along with central retinal artery occlusion. It also highlights the perioperative risk factors and provides insight into the intraoperative signs to be cautious of during sinus surgeries