Unit 1: Sudden Loss of Vision
1: Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) is caused by occlusion of the short posterior ciliary arteries. This results in infarction of the optic nerve head.
Risk Factors:
- Male
- Systemic arteriopathy
- 40-60 years of age
- Small hypermetropic optic discs
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
Retina image for non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
Source: Adapted from an image uploaded to retinagallery.com by Steven Cohen