Assessment of visual loss in optic neuropathy induced by alcohol abuse
Keywords:
alcoholism, visual loss, optic neuropathy, prevention of blindness, alcohol drinkingAbstract
This paper provides a clinical description of 35 visually symptomatic patients with an optic neuropathy associated with alcohol abuse, many clinical aspects are consistent in these patients, such as a severe visual loss in both eyes, an insidious evolution, malnutrition and an exaggerated consumption of alcohol. The results show that a direct ratio must exist between alcoholic ingestion and the decrease in visual acuity. This study also points out that sufferers of optic neuropathy brought on by alcohol only seek medical help some months after the onset of visual loss, The damaging effects of alcohol on vision should be a subject of educational campaigns among the general public as yet another important strategy to prevent blindness.
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References
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