ANTERIOR ISCHEMIC OPTIC NEUROPATHY SECONDARY TO INTERFERON-ALFA

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.