I am looking for information on Anterior Ischematic Optic Neuropthy for a non diabetic patient. I understand that it is unusual. My cousin,in his 50's is non diabetic but has had several strokes. He is considering treatment with Levodopa.
He is looking for other patients with similar cases.
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Answered by Richard E. Gans, M.D. (xx102@ofcn.org)
Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy is a condition in which the optic nerve loses some of its blood supply. In such a situation, part or all of the vision in the effected eye can be permanently lost. Although this condition is most common in diabetics, it is not uncommon to see it in individuals without diabetes. There are two different types of ischemic optic neuropathy -- arteritic and nonarteritic. "Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy" usually refers to the nonarteritic variant. This condition is most common in the 45-65 y/o age range and has a slight prediliction for men. The arteritic form is related to a condition called giant cell arteritis and is more common in those over 60, with woman favored over men.
Most often, anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) affects one eye, initially. It can be bilateral in as many as 20% of individuals at first. Someone who has had AION in one eye is at a significant risk to develop the same problem in the other eye.
To my knowledge, there is no treatment shown to be safe and effective for treating the nonarteritic form of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. I am unaware of the use of Levodopa for this condition.
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Copyright, 1996. Richard E. Gans, M. D. All rights reserved.
Richard E. Gans, M. D.
Diplomate, American Board of Ophthalmology
Medical Director, The Health and Wellness Center
OFCN Primary Sysop, The Eye Clinic
Email: xx102@ofcn.org
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Mail: 26900 Cedar Road Suite #108
Beachwood, OH USA 44122-1148
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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