Advisory for Patient Positioning. The Task Force believes
that there is no pathophysiologic mechanism by which facial
edema can cause perioperative ION. There is no evidence
that ocular compression causes isolated perioperative anterior
ION or posterior ION. However, direct pressure on the
eye should be avoided to prevent CRAO. The high-risk patient
should be positioned so that the head is level with or
higher than the heart when possible. The high-risk patient’s
head should be maintained in a neutral forward position
(e.g., without significant neck flexion, extension, lateral flexion,
or rotation) when possible.