FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

There is much mystery regarding NAION. It is a relatively obscure eye disease that even many health professionals are not aware exists. Hopefully these questions will shed some light and inspire more research on your own.

What is NAION?

NAION stands for Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy. It’s a condition that causes sudden vision loss due to reduced blood flow to the optic nerve. The interruption of blood supply and oxygen starves the optic nerve that in turn damages the auxiliary ganglion nerve system the sends visualminformation to the brain. The nerve damage may not be complete but whatever damage occurs is irreversible.

What causes NAION?

The exact cause is unknown, but it’s related to a sudden decrease in blood supply to the optic nerve. Risk factors include disc to cup ratio being small, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, diabetes, high cholestrol, sleep apnea, possibly ED drugs, possibly Ozempic, and a variety of other risk factors including age.

 What are the symptoms of NAION?

There are no known symptoms of onset of a NAION event. There is no pain, no warning.

Is NAION painful?

Typically, NAION is not painful. Vision loss is usually sudden and painless. The vision loss is sudden but gradual over the course of weeks and months.

 Can NAION affect both eyes?

Initially, NAION usually affects only one eye. However, there is a small risk of it occurring in the other eye later.

 Is the vision loss from NAION permanent?

In most cases, the vision loss is permanent. However, some patients may experience slight improvement over time.

 How is NAION diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on eye examination, and tests such as visual field testing and OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography).

 Is there a cure for NAION?

Currently, there’s no proven cure, nor treatments for NAION. Oral steroids prescribed at onset to reduce swelling may have some affect on early restoration of some vision though not enough data is available to supprt any substantial improvement to vision. Treatment focuses on managing risk factors and preventing occurrence in the other eye.

 Can NAION be prevented?

While not really preventable, managing risk factors like blood pressure, diabetes, cholestrol, sleep apnea and knowledge of other drugs that may have an affect on blood pressure may help reduce the risk. It is important, if having surgery, to consult with an Opthalmologist and Anesthesiologist beforehand.

 Can I still drive with NAION?

This depends on the extent of vision loss and local driving laws. Consult with your doctor and local authorities.

 Will I go completely blind from NAION?

Complete blindness is rare. Most patients retain some vision, though it may be significantly impaired. Keep in mind that one eye accounts for 70% of total vision. Lack of depth perception is something that takes time to adapt to.

 Are there any ongoing clinical trials for NAION treatment?

Research is ongoing. Consult with your doctor or check reputable clinical trial databases for current studies.

 How does NAION affect daily life?

It can impact activities requiring depth perception or full visual fields. Many patients adapt over time with proper support and strategies.

 Is NAION hereditary?

NAION itself is not hereditary, however some risk factors may have genetic and/or hereditary components. The unmodifiable risk factor “Disc-to-cup” may be hereditary. It is considered an “architectural” or physical feature by some doctors. Modifiable risk factors such as diabetes may be hereditary.

 How common is NAION?

It’s the most common acute optic neuropathy in adults over 50, with an estimated incidence of 2.3-10.2 per 100,000 people per year. However, in relation to all other eye diseases (except other optic neuropathies) it ranks far below in occurrence. It is rare enough that a number of general practitioners are not aware of it.

 What’s the difference between NAION and AION?

NAION is non-arteritic, while AION (Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy) is associated with inflammation of blood vessels, often due to giant cell arteritis.

 Can stress cause NAION?

While stress itself doesn’t directly cause NAION, it can exacerbate risk factors like high blood pressure.

 Are there support groups for people with NAION?

Yes, there are online support groups. Under the RESOURCE page are links to a some online support groups. Ask your healthcare provider for recommendations or search online for reputable organizations.

 Inquieries can be made to info@naionlife.com