Traumatic optic neuropathy (TON): The optic nerve transmits signals between the eyes and the brain, including data from the eyes (about the images we see), and instructions to the eyes (e.g., movements, pupil dilations/contractions). Although the exact pathology is not well-understood, a severe blunt trauma to the eye(s), orbit(s), or surrounding face has been hypothesized as the cause of damage to the optic nerve (specifically, the intracanalicular portion which then causes injury directly to the axons or disturb the optic nerve’s blood supply). It has also been suggested that such injury causes the optic nerve to swell in the optic canal resulting in an ischemic injury. TON patients have decreased central visual acuity (visual clarity), decreased color vision, APD, and/or visual field defects (see below). TON is typically unilateral but does occur bilateral.
Traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) medical expert witness specialties include ophthalmology, ocular trauma, and neuro ophthalmology.