Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

AION is an acute ischemic insult to the anterior portion of the optic nerve, resulting in sudden, painless vision loss. It can be arteritic (due to giant cell arteritis) or non-arteritic (associated with vascular risk factors). Clinical findings include optic disc edema and relative afferent pupillary defect. Diagnosis relies on fundoscopic examination, optical coherence tomography, and, in arteritic cases, temporal artery biopsy. Management involves addressing underlying vascular or inflammatory causes, such as corticosteroids for giant cell arteritis, with prognosis varying based on promptness of intervention.