Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (ION) is a disease affecting the optic nerve, responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain. It occurs due to a decrease or interruption in blood flow to the optic nerve, leading to permanent damage and vision loss.
Types of Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (ION):
- Arteritic ION: This condition is associated with giant cell arteritis, an autoimmune disease that inflames the arteries. It is considered a medical emergency due to its rapid vision loss and requires urgent treatment to prevent total vision loss in one or both eyes.
- Non-arteritic ION: More common and also known as optic nerve infarction, this type primarily affects people over 45 years old who have cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension or diabetes mellitus.
Symptoms:
- Unilateral vision loss, usually affecting either the upper or lower half of the visual field.
- Sudden and painless onset.
- Changes in pupil size.
Diagnosis:
The diagnosis primarily focuses on identifying arteritic forms, as they require urgent treatment to prevent vision loss in the contralateral eye. Collaboration with internal medicine or rheumatology services is essential for rapid identification and treatment.
Treatment:
- Arteritic ION: High-dose corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation and prevent vision loss in the other eye.
- Non-arteritic ION: Control of cardiovascular risk factors (diet, exercise, medication) is necessary to prevent future ischemic episodes in the affected eye or other organs.
