optic nerve decompression in traumatic optic neuropathy: surgical approaches, timing and outcomes

Traumatic optic neuropathy (ton) is a rare that causes severe visual impairment usually results from cranial or ocular trauma. ton manifests directly and indirectly, which is more common. the incidence rate ranges from 0.7% to 2.5%. clinical indicators of ton include the presence of an afferent pupillary defect after trauma, decreased vision acuity and intact ocular structure. surgical decompression appears to be a feasible option in cases with direct bone compression on the optic nerve or progressive vision impairment in indirect ton. however, the evidence supporting treatment efficacy for improvement in vision is still ambiguous. this review will examine surgical techniques for decompressing the optic canal.