Retinal detachment from inadvertent intraocular injection of botulinum toxin A.

PURPOSE

To report a case of inadvertent intraocular injection of botulinum toxin A (Botox, BTA) resulting in a retinal tear and bullous retinal detachment. The retinal detachment resolved spontaneously, and the tear was treated with laser demarcation with good visual outcome.

DESIGN

Interventional case report.

METHODS

A 36-year-old woman underwent Botox injections for paralytic esotropia and developed ocular perforation. Dilated fundus examination showed a slit-like retinal tear infranasally with a bullous retinal detachment nasally.

RESULTS

The retinal detachment spontaneously resolved, and the patient was treated with laser demarcation on the following day. After 2 more days, her vision returned to baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

Botox did not appear toxic to human intraocular tissues. Close observation may be indicated in the event of an inadvertent intraocular Botox injection.