Optic nerve compression occurs when a formation around the brain—such as a tumor or bony structure—presses on the optic nerve and affects its performance. Over time, optic nerve compression may lead to optic nerve death, also known as optic neuropathy.
The most common symptom of optic nerve compression is gradual vision loss or a gradual worsening in your vision. It is rare to have sudden vision loss with optic nerve compression; however, that is what occurs when the source of compression is a bone fragment after trauma.
The preferred surgical treatment at UPMC for optic nerve compression is the Endoscopic Endonasal Approach (EEA). This procedure can remove the tumor that is pressing on the nerve, or open the bony canal that is compressing the nerve. This innovative, minimally invasive technique uses the nose and nasal cavities as natural corridors to access hard-to-reach or previously inoperable tumors. EEA offers the benefits of no incisions to heal, no disfigurement to the patient, and a faster recovery time.
Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about the symptoms that you are experiencing. With optic nerve compression, the most common symptom is vision loss or difficulty. Other symptoms may include dark, dimmed, or blurred vision, and problems with sharpness and color perception.
Imaging studies, such as CT and MRI scans, can confirm that a tumor or bone is pressing on the optic nerve.
For most patients, the best treatment is to remove or move whatever is pressing on the optic nerve before the compression causes permanent damage. At UPMC, the preferred method for this surgery is the Endoscopic Endonasal Approach (EEA). This approach allows surgeons to see the nerve well without making an open incision. Surgeons then can remove a tumor or open the bony canal that is compressing the optic nerve.
At UPMC, we take a 360° Approach to treatment when evaluating each patient—looking at their conditions from every direction—to find the path that is least disruptive to the patient’s brain, critical nerves, and ability to return to normal functioning. Our neurosurgical team may recommend a combination of surgical and non-surgical approaches to maximize the benefits of surgery while minimizing risks.
