Objective. To analyze the causes of vision loss after various soft tissue filler injections, the relationship between filler injection and vision loss and the factors affecting vision loss.

Material and methods. A systematic review was conducted to assess the association of vision loss with soft tissue filler injections. Inclusion criteria: original articles and expert opinions published between April 2014 and April 2019; Russian- and English-language reports. Searching was carried out in electronic databases in accordance with keywords. The data elements were obtained by reading the articles and systematizing the key criteria.

Results. There were 157 cases of vision loss associated with soft tissue filler injections. Maximum incidence of this complication was associated with injections of autologous fat (68 cases, 43%). The second common cause of vision loss was injections of hyaluronic acid (50 cases, 32%), other cases included calcium hydroxyapatite (8 cases), collagen and others. Early injection of hyaluronidase in patients with vision loss following hyaluronic acid soft tissue fillers resulted significant improvement in visual acuity (n=10) and complete regression of disorders (n=6).

Conclusion. Vision loss is a serious complication following soft tissue filler injections for aesthetic correction. Early treatment is essential for these patients. At the same time, there is no gold standard for vision loss management. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are relatively safer than other types of fillers.

Keywords. cosmetic injections, soft tissue fillers, hyaluronic acid, autologous fat, collagen, calcium hydroxyapatite, facial aesthetics, blindness, vision loss, acquired blindness