Cutaneous Corticosteroid Injection and Amaurosis

In 1963 and 1964, three cases of acute uniocular amaurosis were reported following scalp injections of hydrocortisone or methylprednisolone acetate suspensions for hair regrowth in alopecia areata. The rarity of such visual side effects in subsequent years was attributed to the use of smaller particulate sizes in corticosteroid suspensions, particularly micronized triamcinolone, and the practice of injecting diluted suspensions in smaller volumes per site. Additionally, the multiple puncture technique of cutaneous infiltration helped minimize the pressure and volume per injection, reducing the risk of embolic complications.