Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy versus cerebral ischemic stroke

Excerpt

Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NA-AION) is a common, visually disabling disease. However, its pathogenesis and management have been highly controversial. There is a common belief that NA-AION and cerebral ischemic stroke are similar in nature pathogenetically and in management. For example, ophthalmologists and neurologists routinely tend to prescribe aspirin to NA-AION patients with the rationale that NA-AION, like stroke, is a thromboembolic disorder and aspirin helps thromboembolic disorders. NA-AION patients who come to consult me usually tell me that their neuro-ophthalmologists and neurologists have stated that NA-AION and cerebral ischemic stroke are similar in nature. This concept has resulted in major controversy on the pathogenesis and management of NA-AION. The evidence shows, however, that NA-AION is pathogenetically a totally different clinical entity from cerebral ischemic stroke. …