What is the typical prognosis for vision after commotio retinae?

• A. Vision permanently impaired
• B. Vision typically preserved; swelling resolves
• C. Requires immediate vitrectomy
• D. Causes chronic retinal detachment

Answer: (B)

Blunt trauma can cause whitening and edema of the outer retina (commotio retinae) as the photoreceptor layer is affected. The typical outcome is that vision remains preserved because the swelling usually resolves on its own over days to weeks, with normal retinal structure and function returning as the edema clears. Even when the fovea is involved, improvement is common as the edema subsides, and permanent impairment is relatively rare unless the injury is severe or there are additional complications. Therefore, observation is usually all that’s needed, and urgent surgical intervention or risk of chronic detachment does not fit this common course.