Optic Nerve Stretch Is Unlikely to Be a Significant Causative Factor in Dysthyroid Optic Neuropathy

Abstract

The almost identical compliance estimates for DON and non-DON orbits suggest that ONL elongation in DON, albeit significant, is not extending optic nerve to its elastic limits and is, therefore, unlikely to be causing metabolic stress to the optic nerve. The 1.4 mm extra ONL in DON orbits probably just represents more retrobulbar tissues-with more advanced disease-and optic nerve stretch is probably not significant in the pathogenesis of DON.