Clinical profile and risk factors of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy

Abstract

Objective To observe the clinical profile and risk factors of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Methods Prospective study was conducted to consecutively recruit 73 patients with NAION from October 2013 through September 2015. A detailed history of previous systemic diseases, smoking and drinking was collected, and a comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation was performed. The prevalence of associated risk factors in NAION patients were compared to the 146 age- and gender-matched normal subjects, and assessed in logistic regression model. Results Of the 73 patients, 65.75% were males, 34.25% were females. The mean age was (55.18±9.89) years. 21.92% were bilateral and 78.08% were unilateral. Arcuate visual field defect (31.58%) was the most prevalent defect detected in unilateral NAION, and there were 8.93% fellow eyes with abnormal optic disc formation in incipient stage. Concentric visual field contraction (40.63%) was the most common in bilateral NAION. Obesity (OR=8.09, 95% CI: 2.94 - 22.23, P<0.001) and diabetes (OR=4.72, 95% CI: 1.57 - 14.25, P=0.006) were significantly associated with NAION. While smoking was marginally associated with NAION (OR=2.76, 95% CI: 1.02 - 7.53, P=0.047). Conclusions The gender predisposition should be reconsidered in NAION. We should pay attention to the fellow eye in case of the incipient NAION patients. Diabetes and obesity are associated with NAION. Key words: Optic neuropathy, ischemic/etiology; Risk factors