Allergic Fungal Sinusitis Induced Visual Loss and Optic Neuropathy

Abstract

Visual loss associated with allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) is uncommon, with incidence estimates ranging from 1.46% to 3.7%. Uncertainty remains concerning the pathophysiology of visual loss in the setting of AFS. Proposed theories include direct or indirect compression of the optic nerve or orbital inflammatory changes causing an optic neuritis. A case of precipitous visual loss in an adult male with clinical and radiographic evidence of optic neuropathy is reported. After surgical and medical interventions this patient showed improvement in optic nerve function. Visual loss associated with AFS is a rare but potentially devastating condition.

KEYWORDS::

• Allergic fungal sinusitis
• optic neuropathy

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

VKA, RK, PS, and AMP are supported by Research to Prevent Blindness. New York, NY.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.