Abstract
PURPOSE: To report a case of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy after a trans-Atlantic airplane journey. DESIGN: An observational case report.METHODS: A 48-year-old healthy man presented with severe visual loss in his left eye within 12 hours after a 15-hour-long trans-Atlantic airplane flight. The patient underwent slit-lamp examination, funduscopy, fluorescein angiography, automated perimetry, and various blood examinations. RESULTS: Visual acuity was LE: 20/30, and a mild left eye relative afferent pupillary defect was noted. Funduscopic evaluation revealed an edematous optic disk in the left eye with a para-diskal retinal hemorrhage. Fluorescein angiography revealed a leaking optic disk, and perimetry showed an inferior hemi-field scotoma. Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy was diagnosed. CONCLUSION: Prolonged airplane travel may compromise vision either by a thromboembolic mechanism caused by prolonged immobilization or by a vasospasm mechanism induced by the low oxygen pressure during the flight.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 581-583 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Journal | American Journal of Ophthalmology |
| Volume | 133 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 9 Apr 2002 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Ophthalmology