The Danger of a Deep Sleep

A 44-year-old man wakes up with Vision Loss after taking sedatives and alcohol. Explore the diagnosis of ischemic retinopathy from orbital compression.

Vertical nystagmus


A 44-year-old man presented to the emergency department with a 3-day history of vision loss and pain in the left eye. The symptoms had started after he had passed out for 3 hours in a position that put pressure on his left eye; before losing consciousness, he had taken insomnia medications and consumed alcohol. An anterior segment examination showed hemorrhagic chemosis and a fixed, mid-dilated pupil (left). The intraocular pressure in the left eye was normal. Funduscopy showed diffuse retinal whitening, a finding consistent with infarction, and optical coherence tomography revealed full-thickness retinal edema. Magnetic resonance imaging of the orbit showed engorgement of the extraocular muscles and orbital tissue (right). A diagnosis of ischemic retinopathy and choroidopathy owing to prolonged orbital compression was made. Which of the following is LEAST likely to be found on physical examination in this patient?

What is the most likely diagnosis?

Absence of light perception in the left eye
A relative afferent pupillary defect
Complete ophthalmoplegia of the left eye
Proptosis
Vertical nystagmus

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