What does Canthotomy mean?

The incision or cutting through the canthus. Supplement. The procedure is often performed to release excessive orbital pressure, especially due to orbital hemorrhage or infection.

Why is a Canthotomy performed?

Lateral canthotomy and cantholysis are done immediately to relieve intraorbital pressure and preserve vision if signs indicate OCS.

When is a lateral Canthotomy performed?

Indications. Lateral canthotomy should be performed as acute management for orbital compartment syndrome, which presents with increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and impaired extraocular motility. Typically, this syndrome occurs within the context of recent orbital trauma or eye surgery.

What is inferior Cantholysis?

Lateral canthotomy and inferior cantholysis is a potentially eyesight saving procedure, which is performed to relieve orbital compartment syndrome. An orbital compartment syndrome, or OCS, results from a buildup of pressure behind the eye – most commonly caused by retrobulbar hematoma.

How is cantholysis used in a lateral canthotomy?

This technique is described in many ophthalmic and surgical texts.21-23,27,30,34,35,43,44Per- forming a lateral canthotomy exposes the lateral canthal tendon,allowing surgical section via cantholysis of the inferior and/or superior crus of the tendon from their nat- ural attachments.

What does an ophthalmologist need to know about cantholysis?

The ability to perform a lateral canthotomy and cantholysis is an essential skill for every ophthalmologist and emergency room physician. It can be a vision-saving technique in the setting of decreased perfusion to the optic nerve or globe as a result of increased orbital pressure. In addition, it is a useful step in many common eyelid procedures.

How to cut lateral canthotomy-eye disorders manual?

To cut the superior crus, lift and expose the underside of the lateral upper eyelid. Check whether the superior crus tendon has been cut by strumming across it with the scissors. If the tendon is still intact, cut it. Cutting the tendon loosens the eyelid and relieves pressure on the eye even more.

Can A canthotomy be used to tighten the lower lid?

This effectively tightens the lower lid and can be an effective treatment for ectropion or entropion caused by increased lid laxity. The lateral canthotomy and cantholysis can also be utilized in procedures which increase lower lid laxity in order to close full thickness lower lid defects.