[Research progress of septic retina and optic nerve damage]

Abstract

The main mechanisms of sepsis induced organ damage are microcirculation dysfunction, host immune response imbalance, mitochondrial dysfunction, etc. As one of the most metabolically active organs in the human body, the retina can be damaged in sepsis. Studies have shown that nearly 50% of patients with sepsis have changes such as slow retinal blood flow, exudation, hemorrhage, and retinal microaneurysm formation, which are far higher than clinicians' expectations. For individuals, the importance of the eyeball has always surpassed this organ itself. Even the slight deterioration of visual ability may be closely related to daily activities. However, the ICU physicians are mainly concerned with the dysfunction of the "large" organs, it is only noticed when the patient has an irreversible visual impairment. In addition, the eyes can also "reflect" the severity of the disease and predict the prognosis. Therefore, it is necessary to re-understand and pay more attention to this organ in sepsis. This article reviews the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, possible pathogenic factors, pathogenesis, and treatment of septic retinal and optic nerve injury, to raise the concern about "eyeball" injury in septic patients.