Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy associated with metabolic syndrome.

PURPOSE Metabolic syndrome denotes a common cluster of naturally connected risk factors including obesity, elevated blood pressure, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, proinflammatory state and prothrombotic state. Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy is an acute ischaemic disorder of the optic nerve head and may lead to severe visual loss. METHODS We considered three patients with moderate degree of diabetic retinopathy and anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. They were submitted to endocrinological examination and the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was established. RESULTS Cardiological examination revealed that blood pressure control was not optimal. The signs of left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction were confirmed by echocardiography. They are possible markers of preclinical cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSION We observed that a variety of well-known risk factors in metabolic syndrome may be involved in serious eye and cardiological complications. The early diagnosis and treatment of these patients can not only improve visual function but also prevent cardiovascular complications.