Evolution of Descending Optic Atrophy

Fundus changes following severe trauma to the intracranial optic nerve were followed by means of serial fundus photography. The eye was completely blind. Little change was seen during the first 4 weeks. The retinal nerve fibre layer disappeared gradually during weeks 4 to 8. At the same time the retinal vessels turned narrow, and vascular pseudo-sheathing appeared close to the optic disc. Disc pallor was not maximal until the 12th week, when the peripapillary retina also had acquired a mottled appearance.