CONTUSION INJURIES OF THE OPTIC NERVE

Indirect trauma to the optic nerve with secondary optic atrophy may result from minor trauma and has traditionally been associated with a poor visual prognosis. The case of a 32-year-old man who suffered a blow to his left supraorbital region and eyebrow in an automatic closing door is reported to draw attention to the uncommon but trivial nature of this injury which may result in profound visual loss. He suffered an initial inferonasal visual field loss which was related to vascular changes in the optic nerve head. Over the ensuing year there was deterioration in his central vision and visual field due to arachnoiditis.
Current trends in the management of optic nerve contusion injuries are discussed. There is currently a move towards primary medical management with high-dose corticosteroids as in this case; surgery is reserved for those patients who fail to respond to steroids or deteriorate as the steroid dose is reduced.