What is anterior ischemic optic neuropathy?
Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) refers to loss of blood flow to the optic nerve (which is the cable that connects the eye to the brain). This condition typically causes sudden vision loss in one eye, without any pain.
Is there a cure for anterior ischemic optic neuropathy?
The arteritic form is treated with corticosteroids, while there is still no widely accepted treatment for the nonarteritic form. Ischemic optic neuropathy is a major cause of blindness or significantly impaired vision, and there are few definitive answers regarding its cause, clinical features and treatment.
Is ischemic optic neuropathy permanent?
The inflammation is due to a condition known as giant cell arteritis (GCA) or temporal arteritis, which causes inflammation of medium- and large-sized arteries. GCA is potentially fatal and can damage the entire optic nerve head leading to permanent, massive vision loss if not diagnosed and treated quickly.
What is the most common cause of optic nerve infarct anterior ischemic optic neuropathy )?
Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is the second most common optic neuropathy after glaucoma caused by infarction of the short posterior ciliary arteries that supply the anterior portion of the optic nerve head.
Can optic neuropathy improve?
Damage to the optic nerve is irreversible because the cable of nerve fibers doesn’t have the capacity to regenerate, or heal itself, when damage occurs.
Is ischemic optic neuropathy painful?
Symptoms of Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Loss of vision may be rapid (over minutes, hours, or sometimes days) but is painless. Depending on the cause, vision may be impaired in one or both eyes.
Is Naion an eye stroke?
Diagnosis of NAION You will undergo a complete eye exam including dilatation of your eyes to examine your optic nerve and retina. Typically in NAION the optic nerve will appear swollen. Your doctor will also carefully assess your symptoms to distinguish NAION from other types of eye stroke.