Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients with Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). METHODS: We investigated 112 subjects comprising 56 patients with NAION and 56 healthy controls at Süleyman Demirel University. Complete blood count, demographic, and clinic data from NAION patients were evaluated in this study. The NLR was calculated in all individuals and compared between the patient and control groups. Cut-off values were also determined. Then, the relationship between NLR and visual outcomes was investigated. RESULTS: The cut-off value for NLR was 1.64. NLR values were significantly higher in NAION patients than in healthy subjects (p < 0.001) and were directly correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels (r = 0.263, p = 0.006). Also, the NLR value was associated with visual outcomes. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis revealed a 0.63 area under the curve (confidence interval, 53.7% to 74.1%), 85% sensitivity and 41% specificity at the cut-off NLR value. CONCLUSIONS: The NLR may be a biomarker with good sensitivity that is quick, cost effective and easily detected in serum. It can be used in clinical practice to predict a NAION patient's prognosis in terms of visual outcomes.