Non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy in the Asian population
Reviewed by Claire Howard

This article provides an evaluation of changes in visual function associated with non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) among Korean patients. Visual changes were identified as a reduction in visual acuity by three Snellen lines or a deterioration of visual field. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively to provide the data. In total 50 eyes from 43 patients satisfied all the inclusion criteria. Overall, the prognosis of visual acuity in association with NAION was worse in Korean patients than in western studies. This difference may be attributed to racial differences. This study does show an improved prognosis of visual field defects but this may be accounted to the different methods used to evaluate visual fields (Goldmann perimetry in this study). The grid method was used in this review to calculate changes in visual field defects. Visual acuity and visual field defects showed improvement in approximately 30% of eyes and deterioration in approximately 10%. With visual acuity the largest changes occurred during the first month after presentation. The initial visual field defect was most likely to improve between the one and three month follow-up visit. In summary, this is reported as the first known study looking at the relationship between race and the prognosis of visual acuity in NAION. Although this has some clinically relevant elements the results are limited by a 
small sample size and its retrospective design, meaning further studies are required in this area for a direct relationship to be confirmed.

Changes in visual function over time in Koreans with non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy.
Wong Chang J, Choi J, Suk Yu Y, Kim SJ.
NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY
2014;38(2):62-8.