Open AccessAmiodarone and Optic Neuropathy: The Heart of the Matter
Author(s) -
Marjorie A Murphy,
James A. Murphy
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
journal of neuro-ophthalmology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1536-5166
pISSN - 1070-8022
DOI - 10.1097/01.wno.0000177290.09649.38
Subject(s) - amiodarone , optic neuropathy , medicine , anterior ischemic optic neuropathy , cardiology , optic nerve , ophthalmology , atrial fibrillation
Amiodarone is one of the most effective antiarrhythmic drugs currently available. Although a subject of intense controversy, a causal link between amiodarone and optic neuropathy has never been firmly established. Indications for treatment with amiodarone are outlined, and features of the optic neuropathy in patients on amiodarone are compared with those of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. An approach to patients treated with amiodarone who present with optic neuropathy is outlined, and suggestions for a registry and prospective study of such patients are presented.