The Effectiveness of Non-surgical Therapy for Traumatic Optic Neuropathy Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review examined non-surgical management of traumatic optic neuropathy including the use of corticosteroids, levodopa-carbidopa, mesenchymal stem cells, and erythropoietin. A thorough literature review was conducted across three databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Science Direct. Clinical studies and randomized controlled trials (RCT) that were published in English and Bahasa Indonesia until June 2023 were included. The PRISMA 2020 flow diagram was utilized to guide the study selection process. Data retrieved were analyzed through random effects model to yield a comprehensive synthesis of outcomes. Eight studies were included in this review, two of which were RCTs and the other six were clinical trials. Two studies examined the use of mesenchymal stem cells, and the remaining studies examined other non-surgical approaches, including the usage of corticosteroids, erythropoietin, and levodopa-carbidopa. This review concluded that patients with traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) can be effectively treated with non-surgical therapy. © 2025, Ophthalmological Society of Pakistan. All rights reserved.