[Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy after systemic hypotension and anemia]

There are shown two cases of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy produced by arterial hypotension and anemia, due to a gastric bleeding and a hemodialysis treatment. Arterial hypotension can obliterate the optic nerve arteries, because of a weak haemodynamic balance previously affected, modifying the perfusion pressure at this level. The acute or chronic haemorrhages can produce anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in patients with vascular risk factors, by means of arterial hypotension and secondary anemia. Hemodialysis can produce anterior ischemic optic neuropathy through secondary arterial hypotension. It is necessary an emergency therapy to reuse arterial blood pressure and rearrange the hemodynamic balance.