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Optic neuritis in Singapore
1Neuro-Ophthalmology Service, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433.
Singapore Medical Journal
|October 3, 2008
Summary
Optic neuritis (ON) in Singapore presents differently than in Western countries, with more cases showing optic disc swelling and less association with multiple sclerosis (MS). Visual recovery is good, and recurrence rates are lower.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Optic neuritis (ON) is a leading cause of optic neuropathy in young patients.
- ON in Singapore exhibits distinct characteristics compared to Western populations, particularly regarding its association with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the clinical presentation and outcomes of optic neuritis in Singapore.
- To compare the epidemiological and etiological features of ON in Singapore with international data.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study enrolled patients diagnosed with ON between September 2002 and June 2004.
- Data were collected centrally and analyzed two years post-enrollment.
Main Results:
- Anterior ON with optic disc swelling (papillitis) was the most common presentation (60%).
- Idiopathic ON accounted for 49.1% of cases, with only 25.5% associated with MS.
- Bilateral ON occurred in 16.4% of cases, predominantly the anterior type and often idiopathic.
Conclusions:
- The pattern of ON in Singapore differs significantly from Western cohorts, notably the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial.
- A higher incidence of anterior ON (papillitis) and a lower association with MS were observed.
- Visual recovery was comparable, but the recurrence rate for ON in Singapore was lower.
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