Evaluating Visual Prognosis and Risk Variables in Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: A Southern Indian Perspective

Abstract Purpose: Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAAION) is a condition that affects the optic nerve, leading to sudden and progressive loss of vision in one eye. This study aims to identify and analyse the risk factors associated with NAAION in the Indian population and to evaluate the subsequent visual outcomes in affected patients. The secondary aim of this study was to compare the risk factors NAAION patients and healthy controls. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, we selected electronic medical records of patients diagnosed with NAAION between January and December 2023. Results: The study group comprised a total of 76 individuals. On evaluation of the disc, it was observed that a substantial proportion of study participants exhibited a crowded disc in their fellow eye, accounting for 45% of cases. The prevalence of crowded optic discs was higher in patients over 50 years (71%) compared with those under 50 years (50%). Among the systemic risk factors identified in the study, the most commonly observed risk factor was diabetes, with 59% of cases presenting with this condition. Overall, the inferior altitudinal defect was the most frequently encountered visual field defect, accounting for 47% of cases. Initial visual acuity, measured by the logMAR scale, averaged 0.803; there was a slight improvement in visual acuity to 0.741 at 6 months. Conclusion: This study highlights the significant role of systemic health conditions, particularly diabetes and hypertension among NAAION patients suggests that controlling these risk factors could mitigate the onset or severity of the disease.