Refractive Errors In Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: The Role Of Hyperopia In Bilateral Cases
Published 2025 - 43rd Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: PO256 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/d6zx-yn18
Authors: Florian Rüfer* 1 , Detlef Holland 1
1Augenzentrum ONE,Kiel,Germany
Purpose
In this study, we aimed to investigate whether refractive errors (RE) could be potential risk factors for the development of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
Setting
.This single-center, retrospective study was conducted at Beyoglu Eye Training and Research Hospital, a tertiary referral center in Istanbul, Turkey
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 52 patients diagnosed with NAION in our clinic between January and December 2024. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic evaluation. RE measurements were performed and using the KR-800 AutoKerato-Refractometer (TOPCON, Japan).Patients were divided into two groups: the unilateral NAION group (40 patients, 40 eyes) and the bilateral NAION group (12 patients, 24 eyes). And 40 healthy individuals (40 eyes) were included as a control group. Spherical equivalent (SE )values were measured, and the patients were classified as emmetropic (EM)(-0.50 to +0.50 D), myopic (MYP) (≤ -0.50 D), or hyperopic (HYP) (≥ +0.50 D).The distribution of RE and mean SE values were compared between the groups.
Results
Our findings indicate that hyperopia was more prevalent in the bilateral NAION group, with 66.7% (16) of patients being HYP, whereas in both the unilateral NAION and control groups, 45% (18) were HYPThe mean SE values were +0.18 ± 1.14 D ( -2.12 to +3.00 D) in the unilateral NAION group, +1.12 ± 1.44 D ( -1.12 to +4.00 D) in the bilateral NAION group, and +0.19 ± 0.99 D ( -2.25 to +1.87 D) in the control group. The difference in SE values between the groups was statistically significant (P = 0.0034). Significantly higher levels of hyperopia were observed in the bilateral NAION group compared to both the unilateral NAION and control groups. However, no significant difference was found between the unilateral NAION and control groups.
Conclusions
In conclusion, we found that patients in the bilateral NAION group had significantly higher levels of hyperopia compared to those in the unilateral NAION and control groups. Hyperopia could be considered a potential risk factor for bilateral NAION. Monitoring hyperopic patients diagnosed with unilateral NAION and taking necessary preventive measures may help reduce the risk of fellow eye involvement.