What is traumatic optic neuropathy?

The optic nerve runs from the back of the eye to the brain, where images from the eye are processed and interpreted. Some people who sustain a head injury damage their optic nerve. This can be due to fractures of the bony canal that the nerve runs through, or from swelling or damage to the blood vessels supplying the optic nerve. Traumatic optic neuropathy causes loss of vision in the affected eye. How is it diagnosed? Loss of vision is usually instantaneous. A full eye examination is performed to assure no damage has occurred to the eye itself, as well as a CT scan or MRI scan to assess the optic nerve and nerve canal. Can traumatic optic neuropathy be treated? Treatment may consist of: • Intravenous steroids (cortisone drugs) to decrease the inflammation of the nerve • Surgery to correct any fractures All people with this condition will be closely monitored in hospital.  more