Optic nerve evulsion and transection

Injury to the optic nerve may occur after seemingly minor trauma. Evulsion of the nerve from the globe may be partial or complete as a result of several concussive or rotational forces. A depressed or visibly absent lamina cribrosa indicates a disinsertion of the nerve fibers from the globe. Visual loss ranges from severe to complete. Transections of the optic nerve within the orbit generally occur after penetrating orbital injuries or surgical resection, resulting in complete blindness. Medical or surgical intervention has not been shown to improve the visual prognosis once such injuries occur. The etiology, clinical features, and histopathology are also discussed.