Traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) is acute optic nerve injury secondary to ocular or head trauma which can lead to variable amount of visual loss. An effective management for traumatic optic neuropathy is still a challenge for an ophthalmologist. In majority of cases with poor prognostic factors, the visual outcomes may not be good once the diagnosis of TON has been made. There were several trials in past which were able to generate some evidence which guided the use of steroids, surgery or observation in TON. Though surgery, corticosteroids and conservative supportive management forms the mainstay of treatment for TON but there is inadequate evidence from clinical trials to support any specific treatment. Recent evidence also suggests a possible detrimental effect of steroids in TON. Each case therefore needs to be assessed on an individual basis and patient should be counselled before embarking on any mode of treatment.

Key Words: Traumatic optic neuropathy, ocular trauma, optic neuropathy.

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Dr Prabha Gupta

Senior Resident Dept of Ophthalmology,

Gajra Raja Medical College Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India

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