Hypertensive optic neuropathy and choroidopathy in an 18-year-old woman with renal failure.
OBJECTIVE
To describe hypertensive optic neuropathy and choroidopathy caused by renal failure in an 18-year-old woman.


METHODS
The clinical and angiographic findings of a young patient with hypertensive optic neuropathy and choroidopathy caused by hypertensive emergency secondary to renal failure are described.


RESULTS
The patient's visual acuity, bilateral optic nerve swelling, and macular edema improved with blood pressure control. Several small areas of exudative retinal detachment remain.


CONCLUSIONS
Accelerated or malignant hypertension is a common cause of bilateral optic nerve swelling and exudative retinal detachments. Treatment of systemic hypertension is essential in reversing the ocular manifestations of the condition.
From the Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at Naples, Naples, Florida.
Jaclyn L
JL
Kovach