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An Updated Review on the Most Common Agents Causing Toxic Optic Neuropathies
Weronika Wasinska-Borowiec1, Kaveh Abri Aghdam2, Jukka Matias Saari3
1Regional Specialist Hospital in Olsztyn. Poland.
Current Pharmaceutical Design
|January 26, 2017
Summary
Toxic optic neuropathies (TONs) cause vision loss and require prompt diagnosis. Early detection and drug cessation improve outcomes for this potentially disabling condition.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Toxic optic neuropathies (TONs) are characterized by gradual bilateral vision decrease, visual field defects (scotomas), and optic disc pallor.
- Accurate patient history is paramount for identifying the causative agent in TONs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on common agents causing TONs.
- To highlight emerging treatment strategies for previously untreatable TONs.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive analysis of PubMed-indexed literature on TONs.
- Focus on agents including methanol, ethambutol, amiodarone, linezolid, TNF-alpha inhibitors, and PDE5 inhibitors.
Main Results:
- Reviewed articles primarily consist of case reports detailing novel aspects of TON-inducing agents.
- Erythropoietin is emerging as a potential treatment for methanol-induced optic neuropathy.
Conclusions:
- TONs can lead to significant visual impairment and disability.
- Early diagnosis and discontinuation of offending medications are key to treatability.
- Patient counseling and physician awareness of neurotoxic medications are crucial for prevention and management.
