Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (AION) is a condition that occurs when there is a sudden loss of blood flow to the optic nerve, which is the nerve responsible for transmitting visual information from your eyes to your brain. This interruption in blood flow leads to damage and swelling of the optic nerve, resulting in sudden vision loss, typically in one eye.
There are two main types of AION:
1. Non-Arteritic AION (NAION)
This is the most common form and is usually related to issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, or sleep apnea. It occurs when blood flow is reduced, often due to narrow blood vessels, and can happen without any warning.
2. Arteritic AION (AAION)
This less common but more serious form is associated with giant cell arteritis (GCA), an inflammatory condition that affects the arteries, particularly in the head. This type requires immediate medical attention because it can lead to permanent blindness and can affect the other eye if left untreated.
People with AION often wake up to find their vision is blurred, dim, or has blind spots, particularly in one eye. The vision loss tends to be painless but is usually permanent, although sometimes partial recovery is possible.
AION primarily affects people over the age of 50 and is a significant cause of sudden vision loss in older adults.
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