What is Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy?

​

The Optic Nerve is responsible for taking impulses from the eye to the brain. When there is an interruption in the blood flow in the Optic Nerve due to Inflammation leading to sudden loss in vision, it is known as Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy or AION.

The interruption in the blood flow in the Optic Nerve leads to the lack of Oxygen and nutrients which are imperative for the blood vessels to survive and carry information or impulses from the eye to the brain leading to vision loss or even damage to the optic nerve.

When the loss of vision is not caused by an inflammation, it is known as Non Arteric Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy

 

What are the symptoms of Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy?

​

Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy can be categorised into:

​

1. Arteric Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy

2. Non Arteric Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy
    

Arteric Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy

When a patient suffers loss of vision because of an inflammation due to giant cell arteries, it is known as Arteric Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy. Giant Cell Arteries, also known as temporal arteritis causes a patient medium as well as large sized artery inflammation. If not treated quickly, Arteric Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy can lead to complete loss of vision and can even be fatal.

Arteric Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy affects women more than men mostly over the age of 55.

​

Some of the symptoms of Arteric Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy are:

​

1. Pain or tingling sensation in the scalp

2. Neck Pain

3. Fever

4. Sudden weight loss

5. Appetite Loss

6. Tiredness and Fatigue

7. General muscle pains or pain in the upper legs/arms

8. Pain while chewing food
    

With Sanjeevan Netralaya’s Advanced Ayurvedic Treatment, the symptoms mentioned above can be managed, without any side effects. Our medication does not cause any discomfort like main stream medicine and helps treat the patient effectively.

​

It should be noted that symptoms pertaining to vision in Arteric Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy are usually painless. Patients might get temporary blurry vision or even vision loss for while before the vision loss gets permanent. It is very important to visit your docks immediately.

​

Non Arteric Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy

​

Non Arteric Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy is most common for people over the age of 50 and can appear in both men and women.

 

Non Arteric Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy occurs when inflammation is not the cause of blockage in the blood flow of the optic nerve. It can be caused by:

​

1. Severe drop in blood pressure

2. Increase in pressure in the eye ball

3. Increase in thickness of blood

4. Thinning Arteries

5. Decrease in blood flow in the Optic Nerve
    

There are a number of factors that contribute to Non Arteric Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy:

​

1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) or drop in Blood Pressure

2. Cholesterol

3. Smoking

4. Increased Cholestrol

5. Heart Problems or blocked arteries

6. Sickle Cell Trait

7. Inflammation of a blood vessel
    

Usual drop in blood pressure during sleep paired with other health problems causes sudden loss of vision or blurriness in  vision felt when waking up is a main symptom of Non Arteric Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy. Sanjeevan Netraleya tailored treatments are unique as different patients require different specialised care. We treat patients with Non Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy effectively without steroids and without giving them harmful side effects.
 

How does my doctor diagnose Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy?
 

 Number of tests can be used to diagnose Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy:

​

1. Biopsy

2. Tests for clarity of vision

3. Eye dilation exam to determine the extent of damage to the optic nerve

4. Blood tests to determine diseases and illness’ that lead to Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy

5. Eye Pressure check

6. Pictures of the blood vessels in the eyes with an injected dye

7. Tests like Ecyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) blood tests and platelet count

 

How is Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy treated?

​

Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy is usually treated by controlling the problems that lead to AION. For instance, if the Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy is blood pressure related, the controlling your blood pressure with medication is key to controlling AION.

The main problem here is that regular medication can lead to discomfort and painful side effects. Sanjeevan Netralaya’s advanced ayurvedic eye care provides effective results without causing harmful side effects. We understand that every patient is different which is why our doctors understand each patient and their history before tailor making treatments that work for you. If you have any symptoms of Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropathy, it is imperative that you book an appointment today so we can make sure that you are relieved of all discomfort at the earliest!