Orbital Nerve Compression

Optic nerve compression occurs when a mass (like a tumor or a build-up of pus or other fluid) forms in the brain and presses on the optic nerve, causing eye pressure. It may cause vision problems and can lead to blindness.

If you suspect optic nerve compression due to soft tissue swelling or a Haematoma, perform a lateral canthotomy to decompress the orbit (see panel). Optic nerve compression due to soft tissue swelling may also be treated using systemic steroids..

symptoms

Clinically, this manifests as vision loss, initially as blind spot enlargement, followed by loss of peripheral and then central vision and field loss. Ultimately, optic nerve atrophy ensues in the setting of chronically elevated ICP and papilledema, often with profound vision loss.