Understanding Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

Ischemic Optic Neuropathy is a kind of optic nerve disease that has to do with the blood flow from the brain. As we all know, the blood is what carries oxygen and nutrients to different parts of our body. In this case, the oxygen and nutrients fail to reach the optic nerve in sufficient quantity, resulting in nerve fibers being in serious risk.

This kind of optic nerve disease usually happens to middle-aged and seniors. It can happen so slowly and without warning, starting with one eye, then spreading to the other eye. Vision loss is almost sure to happen.

In fact, this has become the reason why this optic nerve disorder is also called a stroke of the optic nerve. It is similar to a stroke in the brain because the source is lack of blood supply, but unlike a brain stroke, the optic stroke does not paralyze its victims.

There are two kinds of Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: the Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) otherwise known as the arteritic form; and the Non-arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAAION). Of the two form, GCS is more common among women, and is a more dangerous eye disease, possibly fatal. One of the most significant symptom of GCA is blurred vision. Other signs are fatigue, body pain, weight loss, headaches, aching joints, sensitive scalp, and fever.

With NAAION, there is no difference between the ratio of males to females, and it can happen to anyone even younger than 45. The main cause for NAAION is a change in the blood pressure, and this can be caused by different medical conditions like diabetes, too high or too low blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, sleep apnea, herpes, anemia, Sickle Cell Trait, and syphilis, among others.

Treatment for this kind of eye disease is better if preventive measures are taken. For instance, smoking must be stopped completely. Any of the above medical conditions will require strict monitoring, as far as the blood pressure is concerned. If your doctor is concerned about you being a potential victim to this eye disease, he might prescribe maintenance drugs to help protect the nerve, and keep the pressure stable.

Some of the possible scenarios that can happen to you if you have this optic nerve disorder are tunnel vision, vision loss, blurred vision, visual field loss, and inability to see contrasts in shades, depth, and lighting,

It is possible to recover from this optic nerve disorder if treatment is provided early, and the episodes are very few. About 40% of people who have this condition will improve.