What Does Canthotomy Mean

[ kăn-thŏt′ə-mē ] n. An incision of the canthus.

What is a Canthotomy?

Definition. The incision or cutting through the canthus. Supplement. The procedure is often performed to release excessive orbital pressure, especially due to orbital hemorrhage or infection.

When is a Canthotomy performed?

Lateral canthotomy and cantholysis should be performed for ocular compartment syndrome (most commonly caused by retrobulbar hemorrhage) with acute loss of visual acuity, relative afferent pupillary defect, increased IOP, and proptosis.