Long‐term visual outcomes in patients with orbitotemporal neurofibromatosis

Abstract

The study aimed to review the presentation and long-term visual outcomes of patients with orbitotemporal neurofibromatosis. Retrospective case series. Patients with orbitotemporal neurofibromatosis presenting from 1981 to 2009. Demographic data, examination findings, causes of vision impairment and interventions performed were recorded for each patient from presentation through subsequent follow-up encounters. Visual impairment was defined as an ipsilateral Snellen acuity of <6/12. The proportion of patients with visual impairment or enucleation, the rate of new vision loss during follow up; and causes for vision loss or enucleation. Thirty-seven patients (17 female) were included. Median presenting age was 15 years (range 2-45) with an average follow up of 7.4 years (range 0.5-20.3). Visual impairment occurred in 54% of patients at presentation. Causes were amblyopia (13 of 37), optic atrophy (4 of 37), previous enucleation/evisceration (2 of 37), and optic nerve glioma (1 of 37). At presentation, 76% of patients had ptosis, and 51% had strabismus. Thirty-one patients had surgery, with an average of two procedures per patient. At final follow up, 62% had visual impairment. The rate of visual decline was 2% per patient-years. Causes of visual decline were two patients with optic nerve atrophy, one with exposure keratitis and one whose cause was unknown. Five blind patients had enucleation. The first series of orbitotemporal neurofibromatosis to focus on visual outcomes was presented. Vision loss is common, with a high prevalence of amblyopia. Close monitoring from an early age is needed to prevent visual impairment.