Amiodarone-Associated Optic Neuropathy: Clinical Review. (4th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, An-Guor; Cheng, Hui-Chen
• Is Part Of: Neuro-ophthalmology. Volume 41:Number 2(2017)
• Page Start: 55
• Page End: 58
• Publication Date: 2017-03-04
• Subjects: Amiodarone -- arrhythmia -- optic neuropathy; Neuroophthalmology -- Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.1080/01658107.2016.1247461
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-8107

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Amiodarone, an antiarrhythmic agent, has been associated with visual loss secondary to optic neuropathy. The reported mean duration of amiodarone use before visual loss is about 9 months. Patients receiving amiodarone have a 2-fold increased risk of developing optic neuropathy, especially in males and possibly in patients with longer duration of treatment. Amiodarone-associated optic neuropathy is characterised by an insidious onset, slow progression, bilateral simultaneous visual loss, and protracted disc swelling. After discontinuing amiodarone use, visual acuity and visual field deficits tend to improve or stabilise in most patients, with about 20% of the patients getting worse.