Optic Neuropathy Associated with Recreational Abuse of Nitrous Oxide: A Retrospective Case Series

Background/Objectives: Nitrous oxide is known to cause neurological damage. We investigated the potential effects of nitrous oxide (N2O) abuse on the optic nerve through comprehensive ophthalmological evaluation of patients diagnosed with N2O-related neurological disorders.

Methods

This retrospective, monocentric case series included patients hospitalized for N2O-related neurological manifestations in the neurology department of a French tertiary care center. Suspected optic neuropathy was defined as abnormal retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL) thickness according to age- and sex-adjusted normative values, in the presence or absence of visual field defects.