SCIENTIFIC CORRESPONDENCE

Amiodarone induced optic neuropathy

P K Nagra, R Foroozan, P J Savino, I Castillo and R C Sergott

Neuro-Ophthalmology Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Peter J Savino, MD, Neuro-Ophthalmology Service, Wills Eye Hospital, 900 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, SA;
pjsavino{at}aol.com

Aim: To determine the clinical features of amiodarone induced optic neuropathy, which may help distinguish it from non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy.

Methods: Retrospective observational case series of patients diagnosed with amiodarone induced optic neuropathy at the neuro-ophthalmology service from March 1998 to February 2001. Amiodarone was discontinued after discussion with the patient's cardiologist. Visual acuity, colour vision, automated perimetry, and funduscopy were performed on initial and follow up examinations.

Results: Three patients with amiodarone induced optic neuropathy presented with mildly decreased vision, visual field defects, and bilateral optic disc swelling. Upon discontinuing the medication, visual function and optic disc swelling slowly improved in all three patients.

Conclusion: Amiodarone induced optic neuropathy can present with visual dysfunction, and is typically a bilateral process. Upon discontinuation of amiodarone, slow resolution of optic disc swelling occurs and visual function improves in some patients.

Keywords: amiodarone; optic neuropathy

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This article has been cited by other articles:

• Purvin, V., Kawasaki, A., Borruat, F.-X. (2006). Optic neuropathy in patients using amiodarone.. Arch Ophthalmol 124: 696-701 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• (2003). Defining clinical features of amiodarone induced optic neuropathy. Heart 89: 1410-1410 [Full Text]