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Ischemic optic neuropathy

International Ophthalmology volume 1, pages 9–18 (1978)Cite this article

Abstract

Ischemic optic neuropathy (ION), based on vascular anatomy of the optic nerve, pathogenesis and clinical picture, consists of two distinct entities: anterior (AION) and posterior (PION) ischemic optic neuropathies. AION is due to interference with posterior ciliary artery supply to the optic nerve head and retrolaminar part of the optic nerve; it initially presents with visual loss and optic disc edema which progresses to optic atrophy in a month or two. PION is due to occlusion of nutrient arteries to the posterior part of the optic nerve; in this condition during the initial stages the optic disc is normal in spite of marked visual loss, but the atrophy develops later on. Their pathogeneses, causes, clinical pictures, diagnosis and management are discussed briefly.

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Affiliations

  1. University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 52242, Iowa, Iowa City, USA

    Sohan Singh Hayreh

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  1. Sohan Singh Hayreh
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Additional information

Some of the figures have been reproduced by courtesy of the British Journal of Ophthalmology (Figs. 2, 5, 7), American Academy of Ophthalmology and Otolarngology (Fig. 1) and Springer-Verslag (Fig. 8). This investigation was supported by Public Health Service Grant EY-01151.

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Hayreh, S.S. Ischemic optic neuropathy. Int Ophthalmol 1, 9–18 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00133273

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00133273

Keywords

  • Optic nerve
  • Blood supply
  • Ischemic optic neuropathy (ION)
  • Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION)
  • Posterior ischemic optic neuropathy (PION)