Choroidal rupture and optic atrophy

The association between post-traumatic optic disc pallor and traumatic choroidal rupture is poorly understood. To further define this relationship, nine cases of indirect traumatic choroidal rupture and post-traumatic optic disc pallor were compared with cases of indirect choroidal rupture without disc pallor in terms of severity of ocular injury, fundus findings, and visual outcome. The type and severity of the injury did not appear to influence the risk of optic disc pallor. Optic disc pallor was associated with a slightly poorer long term visual acuity than eyes without pallor (p = 0.059). The presence of a relative afferent pupillary defect was strongly associated with optic disc pallor (p = 0.016). Peripapillary retinal pigment epithelial abnormalities were a common finding, suggesting peripapillary trauma as a cause for optic disc pallor.