Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

• Published in: The journal of clinical hypertension (Greenwich, Conn.) Vol. 7; no. 2; pp. 130 - 133
• Main Authors: Desai, Niraj, Pate l, Milan R., Prisant, L. Michael, Thomas, Dilip A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Three Parklands Drive, Darien, CT 06820‐3652 Le Jacq Ltd 01-02-2005
• Subjects: Arteritis - complications; Diabetes Complications; Humans; Hypertension - complications; Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic - diagnosis; Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic - etiology; Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic - physiopathology
• ISSN: 1524-6175; 1751-7176
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-6175.2005.04095.x

Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy is a common cause of sudden, painless loss of vision present commonly on awakening from sleep. It most commonly affects middle‐aged and elderly Caucasian men and women. Involvement of the opposite eye occurs within 3 years in less than 43% of patients. Hypertension, diabetes, and nocturnal hypotension are risk factors. A congenital small cup‐to‐disk ratio also predisposes to the optic nerve ischemia. There is no effective therapy to treat patients acutely or to prevent recurrence. After 6 months of careful follow‐up, 57.3% of patients will have no significant change or worsening of their vision in the involved eye.