Herpes zoster ophthalmicus with retrobulbar neuritis. A case report.

In ophthalmic zoster, involvement of the optic nerve is very rare, and most of the published cases have resulted in optic atrophy. This case report presents a woman who developed a severe visual loss in her right eye 4 weeks after the primary attack. Computer tomography and ultrasonic B-scan showed a spindle-shaped thickening of the optic nerve. Eight months later the visual acuity was 2/60 and the optic nerve showed atrophy. The computer tomography was normal, and the Visual Evoked Potential had reduced amplitudes. Earlier reports and pathogenesis are discussed.