Delayed orbital hematoma after lateral canthoplasty.

A 76-year-old man was referred to the oculoplastic surgery service with a retrobulbar hemorrhage 1 day after intraocular surgery. A canthotomy and inferior cantholysis was performed. The patient then developed a new orbital hematoma in the region of the canthotomy 14 days later. The patient was treated conservatively with warm compresses and close observation with continued resolution of the secondary hematoma. Visual complications from the secondary hematoma may have been avoided by delaying closure of the initial canthotomy wound. Ophthalmologists should be aware of the risk of bleeding after lateral canthal procedures, particularly in patients who have already presented with ocular or periocular hemorrhagic complications. A brief review of orbital hemorrhage following eyelid surgery is provided.