Optic nerve sheath decompression for nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy improves multiple visual function measurements
S. E. Kelman and M. J. Elman
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore.
Optic nerve sheath decompression was performed in seven patients with
nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. Visual function was
evaluated by measurement of visual acuity with standardized Early Treatment
Diabetic Retinopathy Study charts, color vision testing, quantitation of
relative afferent pupillary defects with neutral-density filters, and
Goldmann and Humphrey perimetry. Visual acuity improved markedly in all
patients (at least doubling of the visual angle); the peripheral visual
field expanded by at least 20 degrees (as measured by Goldmann perimetry)
in six patients. Three patients also experienced marked improvement in
color vision, relative afferent pupillary defect, and foveal sensitivity.
Our experience supports the possible beneficial effect of optic nerve
sheath decompression in patients with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic
neuropathy.
