Objective To explore the effect of early intracranial optic nerve decompression and internal fixation in treating cranial-orbito-zygomatic complex fractures with traumatic optic neuropathy （TON）. Methods From January 2011 to January 2013, 15 patients with TON caused by cranial-orbito-zygomatic complex fractures were retrospectively analyzed. Visual recovery were observed and recorded before and after optic nerve decompression. Results The periods between the injury and operation were ranged from 8 to 45 hours. All patients had optic canal fractures and visual loss before surgery. All the patients were followed up for 6 months. The visual acuity improvement was achieved in 10 patients after optic nerve decompression. Conclusion Early single-stage repair of orbitozygomatic complex fractures and intracranial optic nerve decompression are effective and safe for patients with traumatic optic neuropathy.