Epidemiology

Frequency
United States
Toxic and nutritional optic neuropathies are not common in the United
States. In the general population, nutritional amblyopia is more common
among tobacco and alcohol abusers and those who are undernourished.
Toxic optic neuropathies usually are associated with exposure of
employees in a workplace, ingestion of materials/foods containing toxic
substances, or systemic medications.
International
Nutritional optic neuropathy is definitely more prevalent in regions of
famine, such as in Africa, where it may take on epidemic proportions.
Mortality/Morbidity
Morbidity of these disorders depends on risk factors, the underlying
etiology, and the duration of symptoms before the institution of treatment. A
patient with advanced optic atrophy is less likely to recover visual function
than a patient who does not have such pathologic changes.
Race
These disorders have no racial predilection. All races are susceptible.
Sex
These disorders are found equally in both males and females.
Age
Any age may be affected by toxic optic neuropathies, but nutritional optic
neuropathies are very rare in children, perhaps since drinking and smoking
are much less frequent in this age group. Historically, toxic optic
neuropathy was formerly seen in children with chronic pulmonary
conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, when treated with chloramphenicol.

Next: Prognosis

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  Ophthalmologic Manifestations of Hypertension

 Low-Tension Glaucoma

 Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

 Dermatologic Manifestations of Vitamin A Deficiency

NEWS & PERSPECTIVE

 'Eye Health' Supplements: Do the Benefits

Justify the Cost?

 Nutritional Effect on Age-Related Cataract Formation and Progression

 (S)pot Check on Alternative Treatments for Glaucoma
TOOLS

 Drug Interaction Checker

 Pill Identifier
 Calculators
 Formulary
SLIDESHOW

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Around the World
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3. OCT Screening Before Cataract Surgery Can Improve Outcomes
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5. FDA OKs Steroid Insert (Dextenza) for Postop Ocular Pain
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 Overview
Epidemiology
Frequency
United States
Toxic and nutritional optic neuropathies are not common in the United
States. In the general population, nutritional amblyopia is more common
among tobacco and alcohol abusers and those who are undernourished.
Toxic optic neuropathies usually are associated with exposure of
employees in a workplace, ingestion of materials/foods containing toxic
substances, or systemic medications.
International
Nutritional optic neuropathy is definitely more prevalent in regions of
famine, such as in Africa, where it may take on epidemic proportions.
Mortality/Morbidity
Morbidity of these disorders depends on risk factors, the underlying
etiology, and the duration of symptoms before the institution of treatment. A
patient with advanced optic atrophy is less likely to recover visual function
than a patient who does not have such pathologic changes.
Race
These disorders have no racial predilection. All races are susceptible.
Sex
These disorders are found equally in both males and females.
Age
Any age may be affected by toxic optic neuropathies, but nutritional optic
neuropathies are very rare in children, perhaps since drinking and smoking
 are much less frequent in this age group. Historically, toxic optic
neuropathy was formerly seen in children with chronic pulmonary
conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, when treated with chloramphenicol.

Next: Prognosis

What to Read Next on Medscape

Related Conditions and Diseases

 Nutritional Disorders

 Glaucoma, Suspect, Adult

 Ophthalmologic Manifestations of Hypertension

 Low-Tension Glaucoma

 Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

 Dermatologic Manifestations of Vitamin A Deficiency

NEWS & PERSPECTIVE

 'Eye Health' Supplements: Do the Benefits

Justify the Cost?

 Nutritional Effect on Age-Related Cataract Formation and Progression

 (S)pot Check on Alternative Treatments for Glaucoma
TOOLS

 Drug Interaction Checker

 Pill Identifier
 Calculators
 Formulary
 SLIDESHOW

Oculus Sinister! Eye Superstitions From

Around the World
Most Popular Articles
According to Ophthalmologists
1. Diet Soda Linked to Increased Risk for Diabetic Retinopathy

2. Age-Related Macular Degeneration: 5 Things to Know

3. OCT Screening Before Cataract Surgery Can Improve Outcomes
4. Drug-Induced Uveitis
5. FDA OKs Steroid Insert (Dextenza) for Postop Ocular Pain
View More

 Overview
Epidemiology
Frequency
United States
Toxic and nutritional optic neuropathies are not common in the United
States. In the general population, nutritional amblyopia is more common
among tobacco and alcohol abusers and those who are undernourished.
Toxic optic neuropathies usually are associated with exposure of
employees in a workplace, ingestion of materials/foods containing toxic
substances, or systemic medications.
International
Nutritional optic neuropathy is definitely more prevalent in regions of
famine, such as in Africa, where it may take on epidemic proportions.
Mortality/Morbidity
Morbidity of these disorders depends on risk factors, the underlying
etiology, and the duration of symptoms before the institution of treatment. A
patient with advanced optic atrophy is less likely to recover visual function
than a patient who does not have such pathologic changes.
Race
These disorders have no racial predilection. All races are susceptible.
Sex
These disorders are found equally in both males and females.
Age
Any age may be affected by toxic optic neuropathies, but nutritional optic
neuropathies are very rare in children, perhaps since drinking and smoking
are much less frequent in this age group. Historically, toxic optic
neuropathy was formerly seen in children with chronic pulmonary
conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, when treated with chloramphenicol.

Next: Prognosis

What to Read Next on Medscape

Related Conditions and Diseases

 Nutritional Disorders

 Glaucoma, Suspect, Adult

 Ophthalmologic Manifestations of Hypertension

 Low-Tension Glaucoma

 Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

 Dermatologic Manifestations of Vitamin A Deficiency

 NEWS & PERSPECTIVE

 'Eye Health' Supplements: Do the Benefits

Justify the Cost?

 Nutritional Effect on Age-Related Cataract Formation and Progression

 (S)pot Check on Alternative Treatments for Glaucoma
TOOLS

 Drug Interaction Checker

 Pill Identifier
 Calculators
 Formulary
SLIDESHOW

Oculus Sinister! Eye Superstitions From

Around the World
Most Popular Articles
According to Ophthalmologists
1. Diet Soda Linked to Increased Risk for Diabetic Retinopathy

2. Age-Related Macular Degeneration: 5 Things to Know

3. OCT Screening Before Cataract Surgery Can Improve Outcomes
4. Drug-Induced Uveitis
5. FDA OKs Steroid Insert (Dextenza) for Postop Ocular Pain
View More
 Overview