How To Do Lateral Canthotomy By Christopher J Brady, MD, Wilmer Eye Institute, Retina Division, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Reviewed / Revised Feb 2023 View Patient Education Indications Contraindications Complications Equipment Additional Considerations Relevant Anatomy Positioning Step-by-Step Description of Procedure Aftercare Warnings and Common Errors Tips and Tricks Topic Resources How To Do Lateral Canthotomy Lateral canthotomy, the emergency treatment for orbital compartment syndrome, is the surgical exposure of the lateral canthal tendon.