Nonarteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy

Abstract

Purpose of review: There have been many reports in recent literature concerning the use of scanning laser polarimetry, Heidelberg retinal tomography and optical coherence topography in assessing the optic nerve and peripapillary nerve fibre layer. It is important to assess the validity of new equipment and see whether this has improved our understanding of the disease. There are also reports about possible association of nonarteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy with cataract surgery and phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors. This review attempts to look at some of the techniques used and possible associations with nonarteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy.

Recent findings: Scanning laser polarimetry, Heidelberg retinal tomography and optical coherence tomography have been helpful in quantifying optic nerve and peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer defects, with different efficacy and limitations. Although these confirm the damage to retinal nerve fibre layer beyond what is detected by standard visual field examination, the effect of cataract surgery and phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors remains to be further studied on a larger scale. The few experimental treatments for nonarteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy also need further confirmatory studies.

Summary: More studies are required to evaluate the benefits of new imaging methods. The availability of a primate model may provide clues to assessing experimental treatments for nonarteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy.