The visual evoked potential can save sight in patients with radiation-induced optic neuropathy

Abstract

Radiation-induced optic neuropathy (RION) is a late complication of radiation therapy for brain and skull base tumors. RION leads to the devastating total vision loss in one or both eyes. Therefore, the early detection of RION is vital. Since visual symptoms and clinical signs of RION are not present at early stages of the radiation injury, it is essential to apply a diagnostic test to detect RION as early as possible in order to start therapeutic interventions. The author proposes to apply visual evoked potential (VEP) as a diagnostic test in the interval time after radiation therapy.