Abstract
Purpose: :
Previous studies of the visual outcome in bilateral non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) have yielded conflicting results, specifically regarding congruity between fellow eyes. Prior studies have used measures of acuity and computerized perimetry but none has compared Goldmann visual field outcomes between fellow eyes. In order to better define the concordance of visual loss in this condition, we reviewed our cases of bilateral sequential NAION, including measures of visual acuity, pupillary function and both pattern and severity of visual field loss.
Methods: :
We performed a retrospective chart review of 102 patients with a diagnosis of bilateral sequential NAION. Of the 102 patients, 86 were included in the study for analysis of final visual outcome between the affected eyes. Visual function was assessed using visual acuity, Goldmann visual fields, color vision and RAPD. A quantitative total visual field score and score per quadrant was analyzed for each eye using the numerical Goldmann visual field scoring method previously described by Esterman and colleagues. Based upon these scores, we calculated the total deviation and pattern deviation between fellow eyes and between eyes of different patients. Statistical significance was determined using nonparametric tests.
Results: :
A statistically significant correlation was found between fellow eyes for multiple parameters, including logMAR visual acuity (P = 0.0101), global visual field (P = 0.0001), superior visual field (P = 0.0001), and inferior visual field (P = 0.0001). In addition, the mean deviation of both total (P = 0.0000000007) and pattern (P = 0.000000004) deviation analyses was significantly less between fellow eyes ("intra"-eyes) than between eyes of different patients ("inter"-eyes).
Conclusions: :
Visual function between fellow eyes showed a fair to moderate correlation that was statistically significant. The pattern of vision loss was also more similar in fellow eyes than between eyes of different patients. These results may help allow better prediction of visual outcome for the second eye in patients with NAION. These findings may also be useful for evaluating efficacy of therapeutic interventions.
Keywords: neuro-ophthalmology: optic nerve • visual fields • optic disc