Visual loss after coronary artery bypass surgery

Abstract

Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy is caused by microvascular occlusion of the prelaminar or laminar portion of the optic nerve head. The main types are arteritic, non-arteritic, and autoimmune. Few cases were reported following coronary artery bypass surgery. A 63-year-old man, who is both diabetic and hypertensive, underwent coronary artery bypass graft complicated postoperatively by sudden visual loss in his right eye. The diagnosis was non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. Possible predisposing factors were crowded disc and internal carotid artery stenosis.