Optic Neuritis in the Older Chinese Population: A 5-Year Follow-Up Study

Abstract EN

Objective.

This study aims to describe the clinical manifestations and outcomes in a cohort of older Chinese patients.

Method.

A retrospective study of patients aged ≥ 45 years who had a first episode of optic neuritis (ON) between May 2008 and November 2012.

Clinical features at onset and last follow-up were analyzed within subgroups (age 45–65 years and age ≥ 65 years).

Results.

76 patients (99 eyes) were included, of which 58% were females.

The mean age at presentation was 55.53 ± 8.29 years (range: 45–83 years).

Vision loss was severe at presentation, with initial best corrected vision activity (BCVA) < 20/200 in 93% and final BCVA < 20/200 in 53% of patients at 5-year follow-up.

Final BCVA significantly correlated with the initial BCVA and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer.

At last follow-up, 14.5% were diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), 1.3% were diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), 5.2% with chronic relapsing inflammatory optic neuropathy, 1.3% with infectious ON, and 19.7% with autoimmune ON.

None of the elderly group (≥65 years) developed NMOSD or MS.

Conclusion.

Chinese patients in the age group ≥ 65 years with ON are less likely to develop NMOSD or MS.

Notwithstanding, they had more severe visual loss at onset and poor recovery.