Features of amiodarone-induced optic neuropathy.
OBJECTIVE
To report clinical features of amiodarone-induced optic neuropathy and outline the differentiation of amiodarone optic neuropathy from nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.


METHODS
We reviewed data from 73 patients reported to have developed an optic neuropathy while taking amiodarone.


RESULTS
Amiodarone optic neuropathy is characterized by an insidious onset, slow progression, bilateral visual loss, and protracted disk swelling that tends to stabilize within several months of discontinuing the medication. Nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy is characterized by acute, unilateral visual loss that is usually complete at onset, with resolution of disk edema over several weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
Unique clinical features of amiodarone-induced optic neuropathy may help clinicians diagnose and distinguish between amiodarone-induced optic neuropathy and nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.
Macaluso
D C
DC
Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, USA. Macaluso@aol.com
Shults
W T
WT
Fraunfelder
F T
FT
D000638:Amiodarone / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D009900:Optic Nerve / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D009901:Optic Nerve Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D018917:Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic / Q000175:diagnosis
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000638:Amiodarone