Traumatic optic neuropathy in children. Challenges and perspectives

Abstract

Abstract Aim of the research was to outline signs of traumatic optic neuropathy caused by head trauma in school-aged children. Methods: Forty-eight patients with persisting visual symptoms after brain injury have been examined. A series of tests have been undergone in order to establish visual pathways alteration. Results: Examination of the pupillary reflex revealed presence of anisocoria in 14.6% and a proximal point of convergence more than 10 mm (87.5%). Along with a decreased visual acuity the biomicroscopy and ophthalmoscopy findings are most unchanged being similar to a normal picture. Conclusions: Our research has been an attempt to outline the features of traumatic optic neuropathy that may occur after brain injury. Since the ophthalmoscopy findings often come with a clear a picture it is important to examine visual functions such as: point of convergence, ocular motility and stereoscopic capacity in order to suspect any possible lesion.