eye disorders
Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
Causes of Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
Blockage of the blood supply to the part of the optic nerve within the eye can lead to impaired function of optic nerve cells and vision loss. Two types can occur: nonarteritic and arteritic. occurs more frequently and usually occurs in people about age 50 and older. Vision loss is not usually as severe as in arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy. Risk factors include an anatomically congested optic nerve (small cup-to-disc ratio), High Blood Pressure , usually occurs in people about age 60 and older. The blood supply to the optic nerve is blocked due to inflammation of the arteries (arteritis), most notably Giant Cell Arteritis . 