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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
14:54
Rat Model of Photochemically-Induced Posterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
Published on: November 29, 2015
Surgery for nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
1Department of Community Health, New England Cochrane Center, Brown University Box G-S2, Providence, RI 02912, USA. Kay_Dickersin@Brown.edu
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|May 5, 2000
Summary
Surgical treatment for nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) did not improve vision and increased the risk of vision loss compared to careful follow-up. Optic nerve decompression surgery is not effective for NAION.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Surgical Research
Background:
- Nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) causes sudden, painless vision loss and optic disc swelling.
- Current treatments like corticosteroids lack proven efficacy for NAION.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of surgical treatment versus other treatments or usual care for NAION.
- To determine if optic nerve decompression surgery offers benefits for patients with NAION.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of randomized controlled trials comparing surgery to no surgery for NAION.
- Searches conducted in Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and MEDLINE up to December 1997.
- Inclusion of one randomized trial with 258 participants, with preliminary outcomes reported for 244 patients.
Main Results:
- Surgery did not improve visual acuity compared to careful follow-up; 32.6% of surgery patients improved vs. 42.7% in the follow-up group.
- Surgery significantly increased the risk of vision loss (≥3 lines), with 23.9% worsening vs. 12.4% in the follow-up group.
- Spontaneous visual improvement occurred in 42.7% of the careful follow-up group.
Conclusions:
- Optic nerve decompression surgery is ineffective for treating nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy.
- The findings suggest that surgical intervention for NAION does not provide benefits and may carry risks.
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