Bilateral Simultaneous Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: Demographics, Risk Factors, and Visual...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neurology
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) typically affects one eye.
• Simultaneous, bilateral NAION (sNAION) is a rare condition with limited research.
• Understanding sNAION is crucial for diagnosing and managing vision loss.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the clinical features of sNAION.
• To identify risk factors associated with sNAION.
• To compare sNAION with unilateral NAION (uNAION).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case-control study.
• Reviewed 76 eyes with sNAION and 38 eyes with uNAION (controls).
• Collected demographic, medical history, and visual outcome data.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in demographics, comorbidities, or medications between sNAION and uNAION.
• sNAION patients underwent more extensive investigations (ESR, TAB, LP, MRI).
• Visual acuity and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness were similar; sNAION eyes had smaller final cup-to-disc ratio.

Conclusions:

• sNAION shares similar risk factors and visual outcomes with uNAION.
• Pathophysiology of sNAION and uNAION may be alike.
• Smaller cup-to-disc ratio noted in sNAION at final visit.