Flash Visual Evoked Potential Recording in Patients with Orbital Fracture

Orbital fractures are complex facial fractures that require careful treatment to prevent visual complications. One suitable technique for assessing visual pathway disturbances in these patients is visual evoked potential. This study aims to record and analyze visual evoked potentials in patients with orbital fractures in order to improve understanding and treatment of this condition.

Twenty patients with severe orbital fractures and resulting visual impairment in eleven eyes were referred to Basir Eye Clinic for treatment. The patients, mostly males, were between the ages of 15 and 35. In order to assess their visual function, visual evoked potentials (VEP) were recorded using flash stimulation. The latency (in milliseconds) and amplitude (in microvolts) of the P100 component of the VEP were measured in the patient group and compared to a control group of 11 individuals matched for age and sex who had a healthy visual system.

The mean age of inpatient and healthy groups was respectively 24.25 ± 6.52 and 24.25 ± 6.56. The study included two groups with an equal number of males and females. There, no statistically significant difference in terms of age and sex between the two groups. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) showed a large difference between the two groups, with the patients having only light perception ability while the control group had full vision (10/10). The mean latency for VEP100 peak was 130.36 ± 8 in the case group and 99.63 ± 2.33 in the control group. The mean amplitude was 1.27 ± 0.46 in the case group and 4.27 ± 0.78 in the control group. Both the latency and amplitude of VEP100 peak showed significant differences between the case and control groups (P < 0.001).

Head trauma can result in eye dysfunction, primarily affecting the visual pathway. One way to diagnose this condition is by measuring the latency and amplitude of the VEP p1000 peak.