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Global visual field involvement in acute unilateral optic neuritis
J P Fang1, S P Donahue, R H Lin
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|November 30, 1999
Summary
Optic neuritis affects the entire visual field, not just specific areas. Even seemingly localized defects involve widespread visual threshold depression in patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuro-ophthalmology
Background:
- Optic neuritis is an inflammatory condition affecting the optic nerve.
- Visual field defects are a common symptom, but their distribution is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify visual field defects in the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial (ONTT).
- To determine if specific visual field areas are preferentially affected by optic neuritis.
- To assess the extent of visual field involvement in localized defects.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Humphrey 30-2 Visual Field data from 440 ONTT patients.
- Comparison of visual field data between affected and fellow eyes.
Main Results:
- Diffuse defects showed uniform threshold reduction across the visual field.
- Localized central/cecocentral scotomas had central depression but also peripheral involvement.
- Altitudinal/quadrant defects also showed involvement in unaffected areas.
- Overall average visual threshold depression was uniform across the tested field.
Conclusions:
- Optic neuritis impacts the entire central 30-2 visual field, irrespective of apparent localization.
- No specific area of the visual field shows a predilection for optic neuritis-related defects.