Recurrent herpes labialis as a potential risk factor for nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy

This case-control study was undertaken to determine if recurrent herpes labialis posed an independent risk factor for the development of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy among individuals with small optic nerve cup:disk ratio. The study population was comprised of 43 nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy cases and 30 consecutive control subjects with < or = 0.1 optic nerve cup:disk ratio. The two groups were compared with respect to the history of recurrent herpes labialis, cigarette smoking status, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease. The nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy cases were comparable to controls with respect to cigarette smoking status, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease status. Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy cases were significantly more likely to have a history of recurrent herpes labialis than controls. Herpes simplex virus as identified by recurrent herpes labialis plays a role in the development of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. However, a casual relationship cannot be established.