Tips From An Ophthalmologist: Avoiding Filler Blindness

Dr Jennifer Doyle is an ophthalmologist by background and has worked as a trainer at Harley Academy. In this post, she discusses filler-related blindness.

Dermal filler procedures are increasing in popularity, which means that, whilst rare, we are seeing more of these complications. Check out Dr Doyle’s top tips for avoiding these complications…

1. Anatomy of the Area

It’s important to know where the vessels are running in which area we’re injecting. I recommend sticking to safer areas such as cheeks. Gain more experience and practice before tackling more challenging areas, such as noses.

2. Cannulas & Boluses Injections

Keep any bolus injections small and use a large cannula where possible. I recommend engaging with further training to learn how to use a cannula if you’ve not already done this.

3. Informed Consent

Make sure you take informed consent from your patient. Ensure you have an action plan ready for if you experience any ocular complications. I recommend not injecting any patients who have problems with sight in one eye.

About the author: Dr Jenny Doyle

Dr Doyle graduated with distinction in medicine from Oxford University. She co-founded Oxford Aesthetics, practising injectables and skin rejuvenation alongside working as an ophthalmology registrar. Her particular strengths are facial anatomy and managing ocular complications.

For further information…

Harley Academy offers a dedicated eLearning course in Preventing and Managing Complications from Dermal Filler, including filler blindness. If you’d like to find out more about this online aesthetics course, or our full Level 7 certification in aesthetic medicine, get in touch! You can schedule a call with our Courses team for personalised advice at a time that works for you.

Article last fact-checked: 11 January 2023