Efficacy and safety of optic nerve sheath fenestration in patients with raised intracranial pressure

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Optic Nerve Sheath Fenestration (ONSF) in patients with raised intracranial pressure (ICP). METHODS: This Quasi Experimental Study was conducted at Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology, Rawalpindi from July 2013 to July 2015. Thirty one eyes of 18 patients who underwent ONSF for raised ICP were followed up for one year to ascertain efficacy and safety of ONSF procedure. RESULTS: Thirteen (72.22%) patients underwent ONSF bilaterally, while five (27.78%) underwent unilateral ONSF. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved in 24 (77.4%), remained stable in four (12.9%) and deteriorated in three (9.7%) patients. Papilledema improved in 27 (87.1%) while remained stable in four (12.9%) according to Frisénscale of Papilledema. Change in BCVA and papilledema from pre-operative values was statistically significant (p<0.001). There was significant negative correlation (r= -0.434, p=.017) between duration of symptoms before presentation and improvement in BCVA. Common complications were a tonic pupil, subconjunctival haemorrhage, chemosis, weakness of recti and diplopia. CONCLUSION: ONSF is an effective procedure with statistically significant improvement in BCVA and reduction in severity of papilledema.