Objective:
To report the occurrence of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy as a complication of treatment with interferon alfa and to consider the possible underlying mechanisms for this association.
Design:
Description of the clinical findings in two patients with this condition.
Setting:
A neuro-ophthalmology referral center.
Patients:
Two patients, ages 40 and 51 years, undergoing treatment with interferon alfa for malignant neoplasms experienced sudden bilateral, sequential visual loss with disc-related field defects and segmental optic disc edema.
Interventions:
Treatment with aspirin and prednisone in one patient.
Main Outcome Measures:
Visual acuity, color vision, Goldmann perimetry testing, and fundus photography.
Results:
Visual loss was mild and generally nonprogressive. The interval between initiating treatment with interferon alfa and onset of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy was similar to that of interferon-associated vascular retinopathy.
Conclusion:
Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy may complicate treatment with interferon alfa. The underlying pathogenesis is probably multifactorial.