DR. SHAFEENA P

Dr. KARTHIK KUMAR MANI, DR. VIRNA SHAH

Abstract

Aim:To find the challenges faced in diagnosing and treating optic neuritis in India.

Materials and Methods:Retrospective study of 138 optic neuritis patients(197 eyes) included(age more than 16 years), over 18 months.After clinical diagnosis & baseline blood tests, neuroimaging was done in all.All were treated as per ONTT.Anti NMO & Anti MOG Ab were advised in all 138,but only 68 could afford to do the tests.

Results:23%MOG-ON,7% NMO-ON,21%M.S.& 15% double negative.On MRI(138 patients)69% had short segment involved.

Discussion:Major hurdle is financial constraints (travel costs, neuroimaging,expensive serological tests-more than patient s monthly wages-or immunosuppressants). Insurances covering neuroophthalmic investigations & treatment are scarce in India.Nmo /Mog ON are more prevalent in our country than Western countries.So though we are at the bottom of the pyramid,we need to adapt,innovate and find our own strategy to make the management of optic neuritis more feasible in India.

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