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The visual field in toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis
M R Stanford1, E A Tomlin, O Comyn
1Department of Ophthlamology, Medical Eye Unit, St Thomas's Hospital, Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 7EH, UK. miles.stanford@kcl.ac.uk
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|June 21, 2005
Summary
Toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis scars near the optic nerve head cause significant central vision loss. This visual field deficit is often permanent and worsens with scar proximity to the optic disc.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis is an ocular infection that can lead to scarring.
- Scarring near the optic nerve head poses a risk for visual field defects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document central visual field loss in patients with toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis scars.
- To correlate scar characteristics with the type and severity of visual field defects.
Main Methods:
- Patients with diagnosed toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis were recruited from four centers.
- Automated central visual field testing and retinal photography were performed after disease resolution.
- Scar size and proximity to the optic nerve head were analyzed in relation to field defects.
Main Results:
- Of 53 evaluated eyes, 31 had absolute defects and 20 had relative defects.
- Scars within one disc diameter of the optic nerve head were associated with absolute defects.
- These defects were more likely to extend to the periphery.
Conclusions:
- Scarring from toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis near the optic nerve head causes significant visual field loss.
- Current treatments are unlikely to improve this vision impairment.
- Visual field loss should be an outcome measure in future treatment trials.