What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Berlin’s Edema

What is Commotio Retinae? (Definition/Background Information)

• Commotio Retinae is an eye condition defined as the whitening or cloudiness of the retina, the area in the back of the eye that transmits light signals to the brain
• The photoreceptors on the retina, cells that receive light, can be disrupted, leading to blurred vision or loss of vision

Incidence:

• Individuals of any age and gender are prone to the condition
• The condition is seen worldwide, and no racial/ethnic preference is noted

Risk factors:

• Participating in high impact sports
• Violence
• Activities that could lead to blunt trauma (non-penetrating contact) to the eye region

Cause:

• Commotio Retinae can develop from direct and indirect causes:
  • Direct causes: These include events that lead to displacement and deformation of the eye. Physical (eye) contact with an object leading to trauma is a direct form of Commotio Retinae
  • Indirect causes: These include factors where a direct contact with the eye is not observed. An example includes blast trauma. While the blast does not directly touch the eye, its shockwaves can result in eye injury

Signs and symptoms:

• Blurry vision
• Defect of the visual field (the area one can see when the focus of vision is fixed at one point)
• Vision loss following the traumatic event

Diagnosis:

• A diagnosis of Commotio Retinae is undertaken clinically
• The healthcare professional may order an optical coherence tomography (OCT) image test to view the retina and diagnose the condition
• Other tests and exams may be undertaken based on the assessment of the healthcare provider

Complications: Commotio Retinae can lead to severe eye complications such as retinal tears, fractures, glaucoma, and cataracts.

Treatment:

• Presently, there are no approved medical treatments for Commotio Retinae
• A patient should follow-up with a healthcare professional for frequent eye exams to track the status of the condition
• Symptomatic treatments may be recommended

Prevention: A key preventive method for athletes is the use of protective eye wear while participating in sports activities.

Prognosis:

• It prognosis depends on the severity of each individual’s case
• While most recover completely from Commotio Retinae on their own (usually within 4 weeks to 6 months), some patients may remain visually impaired to some capacity