Prevention of Ocular Complications in Spine Surgery Patients in the Prone Position

Objective: To investigate the causes and preventive methods for blindness after spine surgery in the prone position. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of three patients who developed blindness after prone-position spinal surgery. Results: One patient died. Two patients were followed up 5 to 6 months after discharge, with no recovery of vision. Both patients remained blind in both eyes. Conclusion: Postoperative blindness in patients undergoing prone-position spine surgery is rare and difficult to treat once it occurs. Early recognition and prevention are essential to avoid this catastrophic complication.