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Amiodarone-Associated Optic Neuropathy: Clinical Review
An-Guor Wang1, Hui-Chen Cheng1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Neuro-Ophthalmology (Aeolus Press)
|March 29, 2017
Summary
Amiodarone, an antiarrhythmic drug, can cause optic neuropathy, leading to vision loss. Discontinuing the medication may improve or stabilize vision in most patients, but some may worsen.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic medication.
- Visual loss is a known side effect of amiodarone.
- Optic neuropathy is the specific visual complication linked to amiodarone.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the characteristics and outcomes of amiodarone-associated optic neuropathy.
- To inform clinicians about the risks and presentation of this condition.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and case reports on amiodarone-associated optic neuropathy.
- Analysis of patient data regarding duration of treatment, risk factors, and visual outcomes.
Main Results:
- Amiodarone-associated optic neuropathy typically presents with insidious onset, slow progression, bilateral visual loss, and disc swelling.
- The average duration of amiodarone use before visual loss is approximately 9 months.
- Males and patients with longer treatment durations appear to have an increased risk.
- Discontinuation of amiodarone often leads to improvement or stabilization of vision, though approximately 20% of patients experience worsening.
Conclusions:
- Amiodarone-associated optic neuropathy is a significant risk for patients on this medication.
- Early recognition and discontinuation of amiodarone are crucial for managing visual outcomes.
- Further research may be needed to elucidate specific risk factors and optimize management strategies.
