[Indications and results of operative exposure of traumatically damaged optic nerves (author's transl)].

The indications for operative treatment of traumatically damaged optic nerves are given and the results from microsurgical transethmoid approaches are communicated. This operation method has such a low risk, that it can be also used on patients with recent head injuries. The early diagnosis of traumatic optic nerve damage and the earliest possible exposure of the nerve with pressure relief of the traumatised optic nerves are important for possible success. The development of microsurgery of the orbit, the possibility of a low-risk anaesthetic, the use of modern post-operative therapy and observation make older treatments such as waiting for spontaneous return of vision out of date. During the operation undiagnosed dural tears and other secondary damage are often found, which can be repaired at the same time. This is a further argument for a broadly-based indication to operation.