Neuro-ophthalmic considerations in trigeminal neuralgia and its surgical treatment.
OBJECTIVE
In this review, we will briefly discuss the clinical manifestations and etiology of trigeminal neuralgia, outline the neuro-ophthalmic features of trigeminal neuralgia, and detail the neuro-ophthalmic side effects and complications of the surgical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.


RESULTS
There is a variety of surgical treatment modalities available for patients with trigeminal neuralgia intolerable or resistant to medical therapy. Significant ocular and visual morbidity can result from the surgical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.


CONCLUSIONS
Percutaneous or open surgical procedures for trigeminal neuralgia can result in corneal anesthesia, neurotrophic keratitis, exposure keratitis, herpetic keratitis, ocular motor cranial neuropathies, and optic neuropathy. Ophthalmologists should be aware of these potential problems because they may need to evaluate and provide care to patients with ocular or visual complaints following surgery for trigeminal neuralgia.
Bhatti
M Tariq
MT
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, JHMHSC, Gainesville, Florida 32610-0284, USA. tbhatti@eye.ufl.edu
Patel
Rachana
R
D006801:Humans; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; D014277:Trigeminal Neuralgia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*