[Evulsion of the optic nerve, a diagnosis to be recognised!].

INTRODUCTION

Evulsion of the optic nerve is a rare but serious injury. It occurs generally after an ocular contusion and may cause blindness.

CASE: We report the case of a 53-year-old woman who presented with a blunt ocular trauma after having been punched by her husband. Initial examination of the left eye was impossible due to a major palpebral oedema. A CT scan of the orbit revealed a thickened optic nerve. No improvement was noted.

DISCUSSION: Optic nerve avulsion is often caused by sudden and forceful rotation of the eye with tearing of the optic nerve as its globe entry level. The diagnosis can be confirmed by examination of the ocular fundus or by medical imaging such as CT scan of the orbital cavity as in our case report. The prognosis is usually poor.