Optic Neuritis in the Older Chinese Population: A 5-Year Follow-Up Study

Objective. This study aims to describe the clinical manifestations and outcomes in a cohort of older Chinese patients.Method. A retrospective study of patients aged ≥ 45 years who had a first episode of optic neuritis (ON) between May 2008 and November 2012. Clinical features at onset and last follow-up were analyzed within subgroups (age 45–65 years and age ≥ 65 years).Results. 76 patients (99 eyes) were included, of which 58% were females. The mean age at presentation was 55.53 ± 8.29 years (range: 45–83 years). Vision loss was severe at presentation, with initial best corrected vision activity (BCVA) Conclusion. Chinese patients in the age group ≥ 65 years with ON are less likely to develop NMOSD or MS. Notwithstanding, they had more severe visual loss at onset and poor recovery.