Blindness in the intensive care unit: possible role for vasopressors?

Blindness caused by ischemic optic neuropathy in the hospital setting occurs perioperatively and in critically ill patients, but its etiology remains ill defined. We describe four critically ill patients who developed blindness within 1 mo of one another. Three cases occurred outside of the operative arena. Potential risk factors for the development of ischemic optic neuropathy, such as use of vasopressors, venous congestion, and hypotension, are described.