Sheath-Preserving Complete Optic Nerve Avulsion Following Closed-Globe Injury: A Case Report

Abstract

A 29-year-old man presented with a sudden loss of vision after a closed-globe injury. At presentation, he had no light perception in the right eye and the right pupil was dilated and nonreactive to light. On ophthalmological examination, the area of the optic nerve head was excavated, suggesting optic nerve avulsion. Magnetic resonance imaging scan showed optic nerve avulsion without rupture of the optic nerve sheath. Four months after the injury, the patient’s visual acuity remained unchanged. Gliosis developed at the avulsion site. Closed-globe injuries may cause severe posterior injury even if there is no anterior damage in the eye. To prevent unnecessary treatment, trauma patients should be examined carefully appropriate imaging to confirm the diagnosis.

Keywords

• traumatic optic nerve avulsion
• closed globe injuries
• complete optic nerve avulsion
• optic nerve sheath