Delayed post-traumatic visual loss: a clinical dilemma

Abstract

A 16-year-old female presented with unilateral blindness in her right eye 2 months after blunt head trauma. Optic nerve edema was demonstrated by funduscopic examination, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging and failed to respond to medical treatment. Delayed post-traumatic blindness may be a severe complication of head trauma. The late appearance leads to delayed diagnosis and resulting unresponsiveness to treatment. Patients who experience head trauma that could involve the optic nerves should undergo ultrasonography of the optic nerves. An abnormal finding should be followed by an intensive evaluation to determine possible damage.