Acute Bilateral Blindness in the Setting of Sudden Onset of Bilateral Proptosis and Ophthalmoplegia

Abstract

Purpose of ReviewAcute bilateral blindness has an extensive differential diagnosis that requires a careful history and physical examination to narrow down. In this article, we discuss the pathophysiology and radiographic findings of each possible diagnosis for acute bilateral blindness.Recent FindingsVisual pathology with respect to bilateral blindness can be broadly broken down into 3 anatomic categories: media (i.e., the anterior and posterior chamber of the eye), retina, and neural visual pathway. Possible causes of rapid onset bilateral blindness include bilateral occipital infarcts, endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis, orbital cellulitis, orbital compartment syndrome, cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis, thyroid disease, and bilateral nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy.SummaryIn this case, we present a patient with acute onset of bilateral blindness, in addition to bilateral ophthalmoplegia, proptosis, and orbital chemosis. We believe that this rare case of acute bilateral blindness is thought provoking and aids in the understanding of the differential diagnosis and underlying pathophysiology of visual loss.