Review of Traumatic Optic Neuropathies in Ramathibodi Hospital

Tidananta Rattanatam M.D.*
Anuchit Poonyatalang M.D.*
*Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University Rama VI Road, Bangkok 10400.

ABSTRACT Eighty two patients with traumatic optic neuropathy admitted in Ramathibodi Hospital during 1983-1995 were retrospectively studied. Most of the cases were young male with average age of 26.8 years old and male to female ratio was 73 9. Causes of injury were included of motor cycle accident 52 cases (63.4%), car accident 16 cases (19.5%) and falls 3 cases (3.7%). Fifty percents of cases lost their consciousness and associated midfacial fractures were found in about half of the cases. Initial visual acuity were no light perception 48 cases (59%), < 20/200 30 cases (36.6%) and better than 20/200 4 cases (4.8%). Recovery of vision was found in 1 of 4 untreated patients and in 36 of 78 patients treated with systemic corticosteroid. Optic canal decompression were performed in only ten patients. Although traumatic optic neuropathy is usually presented with severe visual impairment, there is some tendency for visual recovery with the prompt detection and proper treatment.

Thai J Ophthalmol 1997 ; January-June 11(1): 41-47.