Surgical decompression of optic nerve following zygomaticomaxillary fracture

A case of visual loss following Cranio-maxillofacial trauma is reported. The patient had partial blindness and inability to close the eyelid with right eye; it was associated with displaced fracture of right lateral and inferior wall of the orbit. Access to the fracture site was achieved through incision placed on fronto-zygomatic region (lateral eyebrow approach). The fractured fragment was elevated and fixed with 4 hole miniplate with gap 1.5mm. The patient had total return of visual acuity without surgical complications. He could also close his right eye; the role of orbital and optic decompression in the management of patients with traumatic optic neuropathy is discussed in this article. Indications of such cases are controversial and the procedures should be considered only with the context of specific needs of the individual patients. Keywords: Visual Loss, Optic Nerve Decompression, Cranio-maxillofacial Trauma, Optic Neuropathy