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Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Rat Model of Photochemically-Induced Posterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
Published on: November 29, 2015
Bilateral posterior ischemic optic neuropathy in a patient with severe diabetic ketoacidosis
Albert E Smolyar1, Pedram Hamrah
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Ky., USA.
Purpose:
To report a case of bilateral posterior ischemic optic neuropathy (PION) in a patient with severe diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Design:
Observational case report.
Participant:
A 35-year-old male who suffered bilateral visual loss during a severe episode of DKA.
Methods:
Neuro-ophthalmological examination, neuroimaging consisting of a CT scan and MRI of the brain and orbits, as well as a MRA of brain vessels.
Results:
Bilateral PION was diagnosed in a 35-year-old male with no light perception vision, who emerged from a coma caused by severe DKA. The patient developed optic nerve pallor in both eyes 4 weeks after the initial examination. Visual acuity with no light perception in both eyes remained unchanged after 6 months' follow-up.
Conclusions:
Severe DKA can be complicated by bilateral PION, resulting in total blindness.
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