Management of optic neuritis in a developing African country

To show the value of sub-Tenon's depo-methylprednisolone acetate followed by oral prednisolone in the management of optic neuritis in African patients.

Two female patients who presented to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin city, Nigeria and one male patient who presented to the Eye clinic of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Warri, Nigeria with optic neuritis were given a single dose of sub-Tenon's depo-methylprednisolone acetate 40 mg followed by oral prednisolone 60 mg daily and their vision monitored.

In all the 3 cases, there was rapid improvement in visual acuity from as low as ? light perception, counting fingers at 1 metre and at 4 metre to 6/6 within 2-3 weeks with improvement in colour vision. After 3 years and 5 years follow-up in 2 cases, there was no recurrence of optic neuritis and no neurological deficit occurred.

Sub-Tenon's depo-methylprednisolone acetate followed by oral prednisolone is a safe and effective alternative treatment for optic neuritis in black African patients.