AIM: To explore the effects of periglomerular injection of dexamethasone in anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, and compare with systemic administration of superiority, especially in reducing adverse reactions.

METHODS: Totally 132 patients were randomly divided into the periglomerular injection group(n=74)giving periglomerular injection of 2.5mg dexamethasone for 7 days and systemic administration group(n=58)giving dexamethasone 10mg intravenous for 5 or 7 days. 59 patients of with cerebral vasospasm or lacunar infarction in department of neurology were selected as control group not giving dexamethasone. Three groups of patients were given systemic enlarging vascular drugs and nutrition nerve drugs. We checked visual acuity, visual fields, weight change, and learned the adverse reactions 4 to 7 days after treatment.

RESULTS: Both visual acuity and field of vision were significantly improved in periglomerular of dexamethasone injection group and systemic administration group. Visual acuity and Visual fields of the control group increased slightly. Appetite hyperactivity, fatigue, insomnia, weight gain and other adverse reactions were distinctly in systemic administration group.

CONCLUSION: It is worth spreading of the primary hospital that the treatment of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy by periglomerular injection of dexamethasone.