Unusual presentation of perioperative ischemic optic neuropathy following major spine surgery

Perioperative visual loss following spinal surgery has become of increasing concern among anesthesiologists, surgeons, and patients alike. Perioperative ischemic optic neuropathy often occurs in patients greater than 50 years of age, in association with a number of presumed risk factors, including diabetes, hypertension, small cup-to-disc ratio, preoperative anemia, intraoperative hypotension, prolonged operative time in the prone position, and significant blood loss during surgery. The visual loss is notably devastating, and generally leads to permanent disability. A 44-year-old man whose central visual acuity was completely preserved is presented.