Analysis of Systemic Risk Factors and Post-Insult Visual Development in a Danish Cohort of Patients with Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

PURPOSE: Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is associated with vascular as well as anatomical risk factors. Following the insult, the visual development varies from minor to severe deterioration. The aim of this study was to examine possible prognostic systemic risk factors and their eventual impact on post-insult visual development in NAION patients. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all NAION patients (18–79 years at time of diagnosis) seen a minimum of two times in a tertiary eye department during a 10-year period in regard to systemic diseases, medication, lifestyle factors and ophthalmic examination was performed. Visual outcome was assessed according to the development of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and visual field from initial to final visit. RESULTS: There were 163 eligible patients. A greater proportion of the patients in the total cohort were over 50 years of age (79.8%) and men (66.3%). In total, 59.5% of the patients had a stable BCVA, while 25.8% experienced improvement, and 14.7% had deterioration. Seventy-two percent of the patients had a stable visual field, while 14% had improvement, and 14% had deterioration. No association between visual outcome and clinical characteristics, medication or systemic risk factors were identified. CONCLUSION: We did not find any association between patient characteristics and systemic risk factors at time of diagnosis and visual development post-insult. This could suggest that the optic nerve head anatomy plays a larger role for visual outcome than previously estimated.