Ischaemic optic neuropathy in Southeast Asia a different pattern of disease

@#Ischaemic optic neuropathy (ION) is the commonest adult optic neuropathy encountered in Southeast Asia and will increase in incidence with an ageing population. It occurs in two forms: arteritic and non-arteritic. The latter variety being by far the commoner encountered in the region and presenting as an anterior optic neuropathy with optic disc swelling. The clinical presentation of both varieties is described with particular reference to the hyperaemic disc appearance of the non-arteritic disease as opposed to the ischaemic, pale, swollen, infarcted disc seen in arteritic anterior ION. Essential visual field defects found in both varieties are emphasized; the prognosis and treatment are discussed. Pathological specimens are also illustrated. Posterior ION is briefly mentioned being a diagnosis of exclusion. The anatomy, especially the blood supply of the optic nerve head, is discussed along with its role in the production of the different varieties of ION.

Incipient non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy: a distinct clinical entity, the Singapore scene 3

We report five cases of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NA-AION) where spontaneous resolution of the optic disc swelling occurred, and all relevant visual modalities were normal at presentation and remained so until resolution of the process after a median time of 9.6 weeks. This condition, which can be termed 'incipient NA‑AION' or 'threatened NA-AION', should be recognised so that unnecessary investigations for other and more serious causes of optic disc swelling can be prevented.

A week in neuro-ophthalmology: The Singapore experience

Objective@#To report the frequency of neuro-ophthalmologic cases seen over one working week by a senior neuro-ophthalmologist in Singapore and to determine a pattern in the incidence of neuro-ophthalmic diseases.@*Methods@#A retrospective review of 57 consecutive neuro-ophthalmologic cases seen by one senior neuro-ophthalmologist from June 14 to 18, 2010 was done. All patients underwent a complete neuro-ophthalmologic examination. Demographic data and clinical diagnoses were gathered.@*Results@#A total of 57 patients were seen. Thirty-one percent (18) of these patients were new consultations while the remaining 61% (39) were follow-up visits. Fifty-two percent were females (30) with a mean age of 53 years while 47% were males (27) with a mean age of 49 years. Nineteen cases involved disorders of the optic nerve followed by disorders of ocular motility (11), optic chiasm, visual pathways, and/or visual cortex (14). Among the cases involving the optic nerve, 5 were ischemic optic neuropathy. In respect to disorders of ocular motility, ocular myasthenia gravis (n=5) was the most common condition seen. Pituitary adenomas comprised the bulk of the disorders of the optic chiasm (4). The remaining neuro-ophthalmic cases were almost evenly distributed. A very rare case of Froin’s syndrome was also seen.@*Conclusion@#Overall, during the five-day neuro-ophthalmologic clinic, majority of cases were ischemic in nature, reminding readers that systemic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, commonly manifest in the eye. Hence, better systemic control of these diseases is necessary.

Fungal pan-sinusitis with severe visual loss in uncontrolled diabetes

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Invasive fungal pan-sinusitis can present atypically with severe acute visual loss with minimal anterior orbital inflammation. We describe 2 such cases with a background of uncontrolled diabetes.</p><p><b>CLINICAL PICTURE</b>Respective clinical presentations of orbital apex and cavernous sinus syndromes were associated with isolation of Aspergillus galactomannan and Rhizopus.</p><p><b>TREATMENT</b>Urgent extensive surgical debridement and systemic antifungal is necessary.</p><p><b>OUTCOME</b>Clinical improvement of the ocular motor nerves can be expected within 2 months of treatment but visual loss is usually permanent.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Underlying pansinusitis is an important differential for acute visual loss, especially in uncontrolled diabetics. Early treatment determines outcome.</p>