Visual function in patients with optic nerve pallor (optic atrophy)

Abstract Summary:

This research is a cross-sectional study that aimed to understand the relationship between the degree of optic nerve pallor, also known as optic atrophy, and visual function. The study utilized a set of “gold standard” stereoscopic slides to grade the severity of optic atrophy in 270 eyes, all of which had previously experienced an episode of optic neuropathy. The major findings from the study are as follows:

1. Visual Acuity:
   • Mild optic atrophy: 64.0% (55 out of 86) had good visual acuity.
   • Moderate optic atrophy: 45.4% (54 out of 119) had good visual acuity.
   • Marked optic atrophy: 32.3% (21 out of 65) had good visual acuity.
2. Visual Field:
   • Mild optic atrophy: 21.4% (6 out of 28) had a good visual field.
   • Moderate optic atrophy: 9.3% (4 out of 43) had a good visual field.
   • Marked optic atrophy: 7.1% (2 out of 28) had a good visual field.
3. Color Vision:
   • Mild optic atrophy: 67.4% (31 out of 46) had good color vision.
   • Moderate optic atrophy: 19.4% (12 out of 62) had good color vision.
   • Marked optic atrophy: 22.6% (7 out of 31) had good color vision.

The study found significant rank correlations between optic atrophy and visual acuity, visual field, and color vision. Specifically, as the graded severity of optic atrophy increased, the proportion of eyes with good visual function decreased. Among the three visual functions assessed, the visual field was identified as the best indicator of the severity of visual loss when optic atrophy is present.