In a nutshell
The authors evaluated the risk of dysfunction of the optical nerves associated with the presence of diabetes.
Some background
Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy is the most common eye-related neuropathy (nerve damage or dysfunction) in people aged 50 and over. The medical condition involves loss of vision due to damage to the optic nerve from insufficient blood supply, and is associated with sudden, painless loss of vision in one or both eyes. Although the precise cause of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy remains elusive, diabetes is believed to be one of the risk factors. However, this association is controversial.
This analysis aimed to define the association between diabetes and nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.
Methods & findings
12 studies were included in the analysis with the number of patients ranging from 82 to 420 in each study.
Compared to non-diabetic individuals, those with diabetes had 64% increased odds of developing nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. An analysis of the results indicated that this figure was statistically significant.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that diabetes significantly increased the risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, suggesting that physicians and patients should pay particular attention to visual symptoms.
The fine print
The study did not differentiate between type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
What’s next?
You should discuss effective strategies of monitoring visual symptoms with your doctor.
Published By :
PLOS ONE
Date :
Sep 30, 2013
