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Updated: Feb 7, 2026
14:54
Rat Model of Photochemically-Induced Posterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
Published on: November 29, 2015
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Non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy and supplemental nitric oxide usage
Jimmy Yan Hu1, Barrett Katz1,2,3
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports
|July 18, 2018
Summary
Bodybuilders using high doses of nitric oxide (NO) supplements may face an increased risk of Non-Arteritic Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION). This case highlights a potential link between NO supplements and vision loss.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Non-Arteritic Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION) is a common cause of sudden, painless vision loss.
- Risk factors typically include vascular disease, but cases in healthy individuals are being reported.
- Nitric oxide (NO) plays a role in vascular regulation.
Observation:
- A middle-aged male bodybuilder with no prior vascular issues presented with NAION.
- He reported frequent high-dose intake of nitric oxide (NO) supplements.
- Ophthalmic examination revealed characteristic visual field defects and optic disc abnormalities.
Findings:
- The patient's visual acuity was reduced, with a relative afferent pupillary defect and dyschromatopsia.
- Humphrey perimetry showed an inferior altitudinal field defect.
- Fundus examination indicated small, cupless optic discs with mild pallor.
Implications:
- This case suggests a potential association between high-dose nitric oxide (NO) supplements and NAION.
- The pharmacologic pathway of NO is similar to that of phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors, which are known risk factors for NAION.
- Further research is warranted to explore the link between vasodilating agents and ischemic optic neuropathies.
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