Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is one of the most common acute optic neuropathy in adult characterized with impaired visual acuity and visual fields. The pathogenesis of NAION mostly result from the interactions between the systemic risk factors (such as diabetes mellitus, night hypotension, hereditary) and the local ocular risk factors (such as small optic disc and vitreo-papillary traction). A fully promoted diagnosis and treatment of NAION are based on the higher levels of clinical evidence, as well as the comprehensive assessment of relationship between the systemic and ocular risk factors in the pathogenesis of NAION. Secondary optic neuropathy of NAION and the early diagnosis with effective treatment of the fellow eye would be highly emphasized.
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical profile and risk factors of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). MethodsProspective study was conducted to consecutively recruit 73 patients with NAION from October 2013 through September 2015. A detailed history of previous systemic diseases, smoking and drinking was collected, and a comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation was performed. The prevalence of associated risk factors in NAION patients were compared to the 146 age-and gender-matched normal subjects, and assessed in logistic regression model. ResultsOf the 73 patients, 65.75% were males, 34.25% were females. The mean age was (55.18±9.89) years. 21.92% were bilateral and 78.08% were unilateral. Arcuate visual field defect (31.58%) was the most prevalent defect detected in unilateral NAION, and there were 8.93% fellow eyes with abnormal optic disc formation in incipient stage. Concentric visual field contraction (40.63%) was the most common in bilateral NAION. Obesity (OR=8.09, 95% CI: 2.94-22.23, P < 0.001) and diabetes (OR=4.72, 95% CI: 1.57-14.25, P=0.006) were significantly associated with NAION. While smoking was marginally associated with NAION (OR=2.76, 95% CI: 1.02-7.53, P=0.047). ConclusionsThe gender predisposition should be reconsidered in NAION. We should pay attention to the fellow eye in case of the incipient NAION patients. Diabetes and obesity are associated with NAION.