Ophthalmological findings in patients with Takayasu disease

We examined 65 (61 female and 4 male) Takayasu patients. Patient age ranged from 17 to 78 years old (mean 50.2); age of onset was from 11 to 60 years old (mean 32.8); and duration from onset to referral ranged from 1 month to 43 years (mean 16.8 years). Routine ophthalmological examinations were performed. Fluorescein angiography, kinetic perimetry by Goldmann perimetry, static perimetry by Octopus 1-2-3, electroretinography (ERG), and measurements of central retinal arterial pressure were also performed, as appropriate. Major causes of impaired visual acuity (less than 16/20) were cataract. A few patients had low visual acuity caused by Takayasu disease itself. On the other hand, although not many complained of visual disturbance, about 35% of patients had subnormal visual functions. Because the visual deterioration may be based on ocular hypoperfusion, which may subsequently lead to more serious changes, regular ophthalmological examination for every Takayasu disease patient is recommended.