Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: Challenges for the Future

Abstract

Many potential agents and procedures have been clinically assessed in the treatment of NAION, but none have clearly shown benefit and there is no widely accepted treatment regimen. Medical TreatmentsIn a small double-masked, placebo-controlled study, no improvement in visual function was demonstrated with phenytoin treatment (11).

The pathophysiology of Sumatriptan induced non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy

“…Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) represents one of the most important causes of unilateral optic nerve (ON) related visual acuity loss in an individual older than 50 years [1,2]. AION has two forms: arteritic and non-arteritic [1].…”

“…AION has two forms: arteritic and non-arteritic [1]. The exact mechanism is not entirely understood and new causes are still under investigation, but most likely includes decreased perfusion in the short posterior ciliary arteries (SPCA), which are responsible for ON head blood flow [2]. Arteritic AION (AAION) is subsequent to giant cell arteritis that determines inflammation on medium vessels (e.g., the temporal artery), leading to decreased perfusion in the eye [1,2].…”

“…The exact mechanism is not entirely understood and new causes are still under investigation, but most likely includes decreased perfusion in the short posterior ciliary arteries (SPCA), which are responsible for ON head blood flow [2]. Arteritic AION (AAION) is subsequent to giant cell arteritis that determines inflammation on medium vessels (e.g., the temporal artery), leading to decreased perfusion in the eye [1,2]. Non-arteritic AION (NAAION) is found in patients who associate vascular risk factors including sleep apnea syndrome, diabetes mellitus or arterial hypertension [1][2][3].…”

“…Arteritic AION (AAION) is subsequent to giant cell arteritis that determines inflammation on medium vessels (e.g., the temporal artery), leading to decreased perfusion in the eye [1,2]. Non-arteritic AION (NAAION) is found in patients who associate vascular risk factors including sleep apnea syndrome, diabetes mellitus or arterial hypertension [1][2][3].…”