The natural history of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy.
Seventy one patients with non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy were studied retrospectively. Sixty three (89%) were followed to the end of the study or death, mean follow up time was 5.3 years. Whilst twenty (28%) had diabetes or hypertension, in thirty nine (55%) no predisposing condition was identified. In those who had monocular disease at presentation (68), subsequent involvement of the second eye occurred in seventeen (25%), seven within the first year. Nineteen patients died within the study period. Of these, nine died from myocardial infarction and four from cerebrovascular disease. This is a significant increase above figures calculated from the Office of Population Census and Surveys (p less than 0.001 for all causes, p less than 0.002 for myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular disease). Such an increase in mortality has not been previously reported, and implies that this condition carries a more sinister systemic prognosis than is frequently supposed.
Sawle
G V
GV
Department of Medical Ophthalmology, St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
James
C B
CB
Russell
R W
RW
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002423:Cause of Death; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000401:mortality; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D013700:Giant Cell Arteritis / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000401:mortality; D009900:Optic Nerve / Q000098:blood supply*; D009902:Optic Neuritis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000401:mortality; D012307:Risk Factors; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology