Late orbital haemorrhage around alloplastic orbital floor implants: a case series and review

BACKGROUND: Alloplastic implants have been used to repair orbital wall fractures and correct anophthalmic enophthalmos (or volume deficiency in an anophthalmic socket). Orbital haemorrhage is a rare complication of these implants. METHOD: A retrospective review of patient files of two consultant oculoplastic surgeons. RESULTS: Four cases of orbital haemorrhage following alloplastic implants were identified. The haemorrhages occurred 5-18 years after surgery, and occurred within the pseudocapsule of the implant. In one case, recurrent haemorrhages were noted. CONCLUSION: Although rare, orbital haemorrhage is a potential complication of alloplastic orbital floor implants, which may present many years after surgery.