Living with Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
An eye condition in which the optic nerve loses blood flow, causing sudden, painless vision loss.
Understanding Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
The vision loss is usually fast, over minutes, hours, or days, and painless. There are two kinds: nonarteritic, and arteritic, which is linked to giant cell arteritis (inflammation of blood vessels, also called temporal arteritis). The optic disc looks swollen on exam, and the vision loss is usually permanent, though some recovery may happen in the first weeks or months.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list a symptom list for this condition, but its summary describes these features:
- Sudden, painless vision loss
- Reduced central and lower vision
- Swollen optic disc seen on eye exam
- With giant cell arteritis: headaches over the temple
- With giant cell arteritis: jaw pain after chewing
- With giant cell arteritis: tender scalp or pain when combing hair
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Arthritis Foundation
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says the optic disc loses blood supply (infarction). The arteritic type is associated with giant cell arteritis. GARD doesn't list a gene or inheritance pattern.
Also known as: aion - anterior ischemic optic neuropathy; ischaemic optic neuropathy; ischemic optic neuropathy
Patient organizations
- Arthritis FoundationAnterior ischemic optic neuropathy · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.
Explore research for Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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