Risk Factors for Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION)

Major Risk Factors

• Low ocular perfusion pressure contributes to inadequate blood flow to the optic nerve head, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology 1, 2

Medication-Related Factors

• Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors are associated with possible NAION, with 2.4 cases per 10,000 men per year, as reported by the American College of Physicians 3, 4

Other Associated Factors

• Previous NAION in one eye increases risk for the fellow eye, as stated by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 5

Common Pitfalls and Caveats

• Risk factors for NAION overlap significantly with those for glaucoma, but the conditions have different management approaches, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology 1, 2