Canthotomy

Canthotomy, also called lateral canthotomy, is a surgical procedure in which the lateral canthus, the outer corner of the eye, is cut to relieve elevated intraocular pressure. It is typically performed in emergency situations when pressure inside or behind the eye rises high enough to threaten the optic nerve and cause blindness if left untreated, most often due to orbital compartment syndrome from trauma, retrobulbar hemorrhage, infection, tumor, or prolonged low oxygen. Globe rupture is an absolute contraindication, and complications can include bleeding, infection, cosmetic deformity, and impaired eyelid function; when the procedure also cuts the lateral palpebral ligament, or canthal tendon, it is called canthotomy with cantholysis.