PRESENT SCENARIO IN VISION LOSS- NEUROLOGICAL CAUSES AND MAGNITUDE OF THE PROBLEM OF CHRONIC VISUAL LOSS- AN EXPERIENCE FROM A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Journal Title: Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences - Year 2018, Vol 7, Issue 28
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ocular causes are the commonest causes of visual loss in general population.1 Though neurological causes of visual loss form a minor proportion, they are important to be recognised because many of them are potentially treatable if diagnosed and managed appropriately.2,3 Hence, this study was taken up with the following objectives- 1. to evaluate the various causes of visual impairment presenting to the Neurology clinic and 2. To determine the magnitude of the problems of chronic visual loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a descriptive study performed over a period of 2 years (Jan 2004 to Oct 2006). 48 patients of either gender aged 18 yrs. and above who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. RESULTS Majority of patients had acute visual loss, 20 patients (41.66%) followed by chronic visual loss (17 patients, 35.41%). In majority of patients (n= 27 patients, 56.25%), demyelinating optic neuropathy was found to be the cause. In majority of patients with chronic visual loss (n= 17 patients, 35.41%), the cause was not known. Patients who had demyelinating optic neuropathy received steroids and majority of them (n= 12) received 3 days of dexamethasone followed by 11 days of oral prednisolone. CONCLUSION The majority of patients with neurogenic vision loss had diseases of anterior visual pathway. Chronic visual loss with no defined cause was observed, but in 2 patients demyelinating optic neuropathy was seen. The patients with acute and subacute visual loss with and without any identifiable cause were empirically treated with steroids if not contraindicated otherwise. Intravenous methylprednisolone for 3 days followed by 11 days of oral prednisolone is the best mode of treatment for demyelinating optic neuropathy. Recurrence of optic neuropathy was not seen during follow-up. Patients with severe impairment of vision and late presentation had poor prognosis in this study.
Authors and Affiliations
Ramachandra Ramesh, Arun Jyothi Gaddameedi, Souris Kondaveti
Keywords
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- EP ID EP537891
- DOI 10.14260/jemds/2018/719
- Views 104
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