[Decompression of the optic nerve sheath]

Optic nerve sheath decompression (ONSD) has become a more frequently performed surgical procedure in recent years. We describe the surgical techniques and complications and we detail the indications of ONSD in pseudotumor cerebri, ischemic optic neuropathy due to arteriosclerosis and other etiologies under investigation. With a 2% risk of postoperative blindness, this procedure must be indicated only in case of severe visual loss and performed by surgeon experienced to orbital surgery.