Ischemic optic
neuropathy (ION) is a medical condition in which there is sudden vision loss,
either complete or partial, due to a disrupted blood supply to the optic nerve. ION is of two types – anterior, which is more
common and posterior, which is comparatively less common. Anterior ION relates
to the disease which is confined to the retina and the immediate adjoining part
of the optic nerve. Posterior ION
relates to pathology which affects the distal part of the optic nerve, often
away from the eyeball.
Anterior ION is of two types -- arteritis and non-arteritis.
Arteritis AION relates to inflammation of arteries, more usually associated
with giant cell arteritis (GCA). This
condition is common in women, especially over 55. This condition is associated with generalised
symptoms such as fever, fatigue, bodyache in addition to localized pain. There is usually a temporary blurring of
vision before permanent vision loss occurs.
Flourescein angiography is diagnostic of this condition. Steroids are used in this condition to protect
the unaffected eye.
Non-arteritis AION is
comparatively more common than the arteritis type and is seen in both sexes and
at any age. This condition is usually
caused due to sudden reduction in the blood pressure. Medical conditions with an increased risk of non-arteritis
AION include diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, herpes zoster, anemia,
sickle-cell disease, drastic changes in blood pressure, gastrointestinal
ulcers, heart disease, vasculitis, and migraine. This condition is characterized by a sudden
and painless vision loss in one eye, usually on waking up from sleep. The
management of this condition includes treatment of the underlying cause;
especially, aggressive treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Ayurvedic herbal
treatment of ION depends upon the cause of the disease. If inflammation of arteries is the cause, herbal
medicines which have strong anti-inflammatory properties are used in high doses
in order to prevent loss of vision or salvage the maximum possible vision. Treatment is given to treat inflammation and
blockage within the arteries and capillaries and to remove toxic components
within the circulation so as to prevent or reduce damage to the retina and
optic nerve.
Non-arteritis AION is
usually treated according to the known cause of the disease as well as the
accompanying symptoms. Treatment is
usually given to treat inflammation, stabilise the nerve cells within the
retina and optic nerve, improve circulation, and remove toxins and debris from
the eyes.
For any type of ION,
Ayurvedic herbal treatment is usually given for periods ranging from six to
nine months in order to bring about the maximum possible remission in the
symptoms and restore vision to the maximum extent possible. Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a
significant role to play in the management and treatment of ischemic optic
neuropathy.
The writer, Dr. A. A.
Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
