Clinical Evaluation of the Traumatic Optic Neuropathy

ABSTRACT

The nineteen patients(20 eyes) of traumatic optic neuropathy were investigated to evaluate the effectiveness of high dose corticosteroid for the visual improvernent in the early treatment of this disease. The relationships between the affected region and visual improvement, the interval to treatment and final visual acuity, the initial visual acuity and final visual acuity were studied. 250mg of methylprednisolone was administered intravenously every 6 hours followed by tapering using oral prednisone. The optic canal decompression was performed in five patients suspected swelling of optic nerve or optic canal fracture revealed by orbital CT. It is difficult to know the relationships between the affected region and visual improvement, the interval to treatment and final visual acuity. The vision was improved in nine of eleven patients who had an initial visual acuity of above light perception, but in the two of nine patients who had an initial visual acuity of no light perception. The two of five patients treated with a combina tion of high dose corticosteroid and optic canal decompression showed improved visual function. In initial treatment of traumatic optic neuropathy, high dose corticosteroid was effective and combined optic canal decompression was helpful, if indicated.