Posterior ischemic optic neuropathy after uncomplicated cataract extraction.

PURPOSE: We report a case of posterior ischemic optic neuropathy after uncomplicated cataract extraction. DESIGN: Observational case report. METHODS: Retrospective description of the natural course of posterior ischemic optic neuropathy in one patient seen at an academic institution. RESULTS: The patient had sudden vision loss after uncomplicated cataract surgery with the features of an optic neuropathy, no acute disk swelling, and delayed optic nerve head perfusion on fluorescein angiography. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior ischemic optic neuropathy rarely occurs after uncomplicated cataract surgery, and should be considered in the setting of postoperative vision loss.