Acute direct traumatic optic neuropathy treated with steroids, minocycline and hyperbaric oxygen: a case report

Abstract

We describe the emergency management of a man who experienced acute vision loss diagnosed as direct traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) in his right eye (no light perception) after falling from a height. TON is caused by a high-impact mechanism of injury. Clinical findings include acute vision loss, which is typically immediate, afferent pupillary defect, decreased color vision, and visual field defects. Treatment is controversial because of the lack of strong evidence supporting intervention over observation. In this case report, our treatment strategy comprised immediate hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) and daily high doses of a steroid. On the second day, minocycline was added to the treatment regimen for its neuroprotective effects. The patient was discharged after receiving six HBO2 treatments and six days of intravenous solumedrol transitioned to oral prednisone. After the third HBO2 treatment, his vision improved to 20/100; after the fourth treatment, it was 20/40 and plateaued. At the time of discharge, it was 20/40. At two-month follow-up, his corrected visual acuity was 20/60+2 in the affected eye. Immediate HBO2 for ischemic and mechanical injury to the optic nerve following trauma is a therapeutic option.