2025 EYE-CODE Protocol Update Published in Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
A newly published update to the EYE-CODE Protocol was recently published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, providing new insights and updates for nonopthalmologists.
According to the update, the 2025 EYE-CODE Protocol for the Nonophthalmologist for Treatment of Retinal Artery Occlusion After Intra-Arterial Injection of Soft-Tissue Fillers coauthored by Shiela Barbarino, MD, FACS, Saami Khalifian, MD, FAAD, and John Fezza, MD, provides a comprehensive reference for the management of retinal artery occlusion caused by soft-tissue filler injections.
According to their research, following the EYE-CODE protocol assisted aesthetic physicians in determining the extent of vision loss. It also provided an initial treatment strategy of using medications likely to be available in most practices.1 The authors reported that these agents reduce intraocular pressure, improve retinal perfusion, and potentially dissolve the filler embolus and associated blood clots.1 They also made suggestions for additional treatment via an emergency ophthalmologist.
Barbarino S, Khalifian S, Fezza J. EYE-CODE Protocol for the Nonophthalmologist for Treatment of Retinal Artery Occlusion After Intra-Arterial Injection of Soft-Tissue Fillers: 2025 Update.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025;24(7):e70336. doi:10.1111/jocd.70336