Walsh & Hoyt: Traumatic Optic Neuropathy: History

Clinical evaluation of a patient with visual loss following trauma should begin with as complete a history as possible. If the patient is unconscious, the history should be obtained from significant others when present. Witnesses at the scene, including responding emergency personnel, may provide an understanding of the mechanism of injury. The possibility of exposure to hazardous materials should be considered. An ocular history must be explored to rule out visual loss prior to the injury. A detailed medical, drug, and drug allergy history is also necessary. Open injury creates a risk for tetanus, and the patients tetanus immunization status should be investigated.