Ischemic optic neuropathy

Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (ION) is a medical condition that involves the loss of vision due to damage to the optic nerve from insufficient blood supply. It is one of the major causes of sudden vision loss in older adults.

Types

There are two main types of Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (AION) and Posterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (PION).

Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

AION is the more common of the two types and it occurs when the blood flow to the front surface of the optic nerve is reduced. It is further divided into two subtypes: Arteritic AION and Non-arteritic AION.

Arteritic AION

Arteritic AION is caused by an inflammation of medium and large arteries in the head known as giant cell arteritis.

Non-arteritic AION

Non-arteritic AION is the most common form and is usually caused by a sudden decrease in blood pressure.

Posterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

PION is less common and occurs when the blood flow to the back surface of the optic nerve is reduced. It is often associated with systemic diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Symptoms

The main symptom of Ischemic Optic Neuropathy is sudden vision loss in one or both eyes. Other symptoms may include a dull ache in the eye or forehead and difficulties with color perception.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of ION is typically based on the patient's symptoms and a physical examination of the eye. Additional tests such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography may also be used.

Treatment

Treatment for ION is aimed at restoring blood flow to the optic nerve and preventing further vision loss. This may involve medications to reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure, or surgery in some cases.

See also

• Optic nerve
• Optic neuropathy
• Giant cell arteritis
• Optical coherence tomography
• Fluorescein angiography