Quantitative Analysis of Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

Visual fields of patients with anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION)There classified according to quantitative criteria, using the OCTOPUS perimeter. Although a significant altitudinal pattern of field loss was found in 55.' of perimetric examinations, the "spared" hemifields routinely showed some loss of sensitivity. This finding, along with the diffuse loss of sensitivity in a high percentage of visual fields, indicates more extensive involvement of the circulation of the anterior optic nerve head than has previously been suggested. Furthermore, patients with diabetes mellitus were found to have a statistically separable pattern of visual field loss compared to those with hypertension or combined hypertension and diabetes. The pathophysiologic implications of the visual fields in AION and their relationship to the clinical findings were investigated.