Platelet Indices in Patients with Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

Aim: Platelet indices are able to influence thromboembolic and vascular diseases. Elevated platelet volume is associated with increased platelet activity and thrombotic events. Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is considered as a disease of vascular origin. In this study, we aimed to evaulate platelet indices in patients with NAION. Material and Method: Forty one patiens diagnosed with NAION in our clinic between February 2007 %u2013 November 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. Age and sex matched 40 patients without any systemic disease who were operated for cataract extraction generated control group. NAION patients without systemic diseases were evaulated in subgroup analysis. Platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) were recorded. Results: NAION patients comprised of 18 female and 23 male subjects, whereas 17 female and 23 male subjects were included in control group (p:0.89). The mean best corrected visual acuity value of NAION patients was 0.92±0.48 logMAR at the time of first visit. Patients with NAION had significantly higher mean PDW values and platelet counts compared to the control group (p0.05). Discussion: Platelet indices can be affected due to systemic factors in NAION patients. However in subgroup analysis, insignificant difference in MPV, PDW and platelet counts between groups suggests that platelet indices can not be used as a marker in NAION