Assessment of visual function in idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Abstract

Purpose: Impaired visual function occurs frequently in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and may be the most seriously affected function following raised intracranial pressure. The aim of this review was to overview the methods available for the assessment of visual function in IIH.

Methods: A review of databases, including PubMed, Web of Knowledge and ocular and motility and strabismus was undertaken to identify articles relating to visual function and its assessment in IIH.

Results: Options for visual assessment include fundus evaluation, retinal imaging, visual field, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, colour vision, electrodiagnostic and ocular motility evaluations.

Conclusions: Many aspects of visual function assessment contribute to the monitoring of vision in patients with IIH. However, the assessment of visual field, plus fundus and retinal imaging, are particularly important in providing accurate and repeatable measurements on which to determine the progression of the condition.

Key words:

• Idiopathic intracranial hypertension
• visual function
• assessment
• fundus
• visual field

Declaration of interest: The author reports no conflicts of interest. The author alone is responsible for the content and writing of the paper.