Ischemic optic neuropathy following general surgical procedures

We report three patients who developed symptomatic visual loss following uncomplicated general surgical procedures. All three patients had ocular examinations and visual field deficits consistent with acute ischemic optic neuropathy. All three had hemoglobin levels below normal limits at the onset of visual symptoms. However, none of the patients suffered intraoperative or postoperative hemorrhaging. Ischemic optic neuropathy may occur following general surgical procedures, not complicated by significant hemorrhaging.