Amiodarone-Associated Optic Neuropathy

Authors

  • Sara L. Weidmayer, OD, FAAO

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15353/cjo.80.241

Keywords:

amiodarone, optic neuropathy, optic disc edema, toxic optic neuropathy, anterior ischemic optic neuropathy

Abstract

A 72-year old male presented symptomatic for unilateral inferior visual field loss, but was found to have bilateral optic neuropathy. Clinical features, an extended minimally symptomatic course and a temporal relationship to amiodarone use implicated amiodarone-associated optic neuropathy.  Serial ancillary testing analyses provided insight into this entity’s natural course.  This patient developed the greatest retinal nerve fiber layer thinning in the inferior quadrant; this may correlate with anatomically larger-diameter axons, supporting a previous publication which suggested that larger-diameter optic nerve axons are more susceptible to amiodarone-induced lipidosis. While rare, amiodarone-associated optic neuropathy may develop and cause permanent loss of visual function.

Published

2018-11-15

How to Cite

Weidmayer, S. L. (2018). Amiodarone-Associated Optic Neuropathy. Canadian Journal of Optometry, 80(4), 33–64. https://doi.org/10.15353/cjo.80.241