Indirect injury of the optic nerve.

Visual loss due to optic nerve injury after closed head trauma constitutes a formidable diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for the clinician. Assessment must be made of the site of optic nerve injury, and this is often difficult in the patient with an altered level of consciousness. A decision regarding optic nerve decompression must be formulated, yet the literature is confusing with regard to operative indications. In reviewing current pathogenetic theories, clinicopathological data, and therapeutic options, this report attempts to clarify the role of surgical intervention in indirect optic nerve injury.