2020–2021 BCSC Basic and Clinical Science Course™
6 Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
Part II: Pediatric Ophthalmology
Chapter 27: Ocular Trauma in Childhood
Accidental Trauma
Traumatic Optic Neuropathy
The optic nerve may be damaged by trauma to the head, orbit, or globe. Vision loss is usually immediate and severe with a relative afferent pupillary defect present. Initially, the optic nerve appears normal, but it becomes atrophic within 1–2 months of injury. Management is controversial and may include high-dose intravenous steroids and optic canal decompression.
For further discussion of diagnosis and management of traumatic optic neuropathy, see BCSC Section 5, Neuro-Ophthalmology.
Excerpted from BCSC 2020-2021 series: Section 10 - Glaucoma. For more information and to purchase the entire series, please visit https://www.aao.org/bcsc.