Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026
14:54
Rat Model of Photochemically-Induced Posterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
Published on: November 29, 2015
Surgery for nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
K Dickersin1, E Manheimer, T Li
1US Cochrane Center, Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA. kdickers@jhsph.edu
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|January 27, 2006
Summary
Surgery does not improve vision for nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). A single trial found no benefit and a potential increased risk of vision loss from optic nerve decompression surgery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Surgical Research
Background:
- Nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) causes sudden, painless vision loss and optic disc swelling.
- Currently, no established medical therapy effectively treats NAION.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of surgical interventions versus standard care for NAION.
- To synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials on surgical treatments for NAION.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) sourced from multiple databases (CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, NRR).
- Inclusion criteria limited to RCTs, with data extracted and verified by two authors.
- A single eligible RCT involving 258 participants was included.
Main Results:
- The sole RCT showed no evidence of visual acuity improvement with optic nerve decompression surgery at 6 or 24 months.
- The surgery group had a higher risk of vision loss (≥3 lines) compared to the careful follow-up group at 6 months.
- Visual acuity outcomes were comparable between surgical and non-surgical groups at 24 months, with no significant benefit from surgery.
Conclusions:
- Evidence from the included trial suggests optic nerve decompression surgery is not beneficial for NAION.
- The study indicates a potential increased risk of vision deterioration following surgical intervention for NAION.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...