Ischaemic Optic Neuropathy

Occlusion of the posterior ciliary arteries, resulting in infarction of the optic nerve head

Aetiology

  • Can be caused by temporal (giant cell) arteritis - arteritic ION
    • Posterior ciliary arteries become affected - wall becomes so inflamed/thickened that lumen becomes occluded
  • Non-arteric ION is due to non-inflammatory disease of small blood vessels - vascular risk factors

Clinical presentation

  • Sudden visual loss
  • Usually painless

Signs of ION associated with GCA

  • Headache
  • Scalp tenderness
  • Enlarged temporal arteries

Investigations

Fundoscopy

  • Pale, swollen disc
notion image

Management

  • Management of GCA involves steroids