A K Fard1, S L Merbs, D J Pieramici. 1. Ocular Trauma Service, Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To report a patient with optic nerve avulsion caused by forceful rotation of the globe that occurred when his thumb penetrated the orbit while he was diving. METHODS: A 17-year-old boy was initially examined for sudden loss of vision after jumping feet first from a bridge 50 feet above a river. Upon hitting the water, he felt his right thumb push into his right globe. The patient underwent ophthalmologic and imaging examination. RESULT: Examination disclosed a tear of the optic nerve head from the sclera temporally in the right eye. CONCLUSION: Optic nerve avulsion occurs secondary to forceful rotation of the eye with tearing of the optic nerve as it exits the globe.
PURPOSE: To report a patient with optic nerve avulsion caused by forceful rotation of the globe that occurred when his thumb penetrated the orbit while he was diving. METHODS: A 17-year-old boy was initially examined for sudden loss of vision after jumping feet first from a bridge 50 feet above a river. Upon hitting the water, he felt his right thumb push into his right globe. The patient underwent ophthalmologic and imaging examination. RESULT: Examination disclosed a tear of the optic nerve head from the sclera temporally in the right eye. CONCLUSION:Optic nerve avulsion occurs secondary to forceful rotation of the eye with tearing of the optic nerve as it exits the globe.