Traumatic retinopathy in primates. The explanation of commotio retinae
J. O. Sipperley, H. A. Quigley and D. M. Gass
We have produced experimental commotio retinae in 12 owl monkeys by blunt
trauma. The ophthalmoscopic and fluorescein angiographic appearance of this
contrecoup lesion is identical to the acute traumatic retinal opacity in
humans. We examined these eyes by light and electron microscopy from 4
hours to 12 weeks after injury. Immediately after injury, the only
abnormality is disruption of the receptor outer segments. From one to six
days after trauma, many receptor cells undergo degeneration. The retinal
pigment epithelium phagocytoses the degenerating outer segments,
occasionally migrating into the retina. There is no extracellular retinal
edema. The opacity of commotio retinae seems to represent disrupted
receptor cells. Visual loss may result from permanent loss of receptors.
The pigment epithelial response to traumatic receptor damage is similar to
that observed in experimental retinal detachment and light-induced retinal
damage.
