Optic Nerve Decompression is a procedure in which the optic nerve is decompressed by a transnasal approach. There are many patients who present with sudden diminution of vision following road traffic accidents. Sudden diminision of vision is an emergency and hence a prompt attention is necessary. Most common cause of optic nerve compression is trauma. Others being orbital tumours, orbital haematoma and so on. Visual assessment is absolutely necessary. Usually an ophthalmologist is consulted for detailed clinical examination of the eye. Steroids have proven to be effective and high dose intravenous steroids are started immediately. In the surgery by transnasal approach, the bony segment impinging on the nerve is removed in its intra canalicular segment. The improvement in vision after surgery depends upon the time interval between trauma and the surgery. Maximum improvement in visioncan be achieved if the surgery is performed within first 6hours after trauma. Hence considered as an emergency procedure.
Removal of bony segment impinging on optic nerve by trans nasal approach.
Intra canalicular segment is most commonly affected
High dose intra venous steroids are given for almost 7days followed by oral steroids in tapering doses
Yes, golden period for decompression is first 6hours after trauma
3-5 days with intravenous steroids
