Non arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy

@weezy1939 I had cataract surgery on both eyes last week and now the 10% vision I had is clear. I am wearing cheaters for now until I can have a refraction in 5 weeks. I need trifocals which I have worn for 30 years but for now I feel like I have won the lottery!

hi i was just diagnosed with NAION and would like to know about the stem cell research study going on can u ask your Dr sbout it?

I'm sorry to hear this news too. I have compromised vision myself, my Mayo neuro ophthalmologist measured my loss of vision , I don't drive a car anymore, I use uber. Using uber is nice, I've met so many nice drivers!

Hello @swwo98 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.

I am sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis of NAION. I'm wondering how much your vision has been impacted by this diagnosis?

I see that on Mayo Clinic's website there is some information given about this disorder. Here is the link to that information, https://www.mayoclinic.org/search/search-results?q=NAION
I encourage you to read it.

I also found some research on stem cells from bone marrow to treat this disorder. Here is the link, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5723737/. This information is from the website of the NIH which is a reliable source as well.

What does your current doctor say about stem cell research for this problem?

Hello @Erinmfs,

I'm glad to hear that you are adjusting to this new normal with compromised vision. It sounds like you taking a most positive approach at this time of life. Good for you!

@weezy1939 I have had NAION in both eyes now for several years. I was told by Mayo doctor that nothing can be done to get sight back. I was also told one can get use to lack of sight which I have. When I saw your note I was taking a brake from knitting a hat for my great granddaughter. I also have a new hip so can walk a mile looking down at sidewalk.

Check with NeuroOpthamologist to check optic nerve otherwise not sure same thing happened to me but i had cataract surgery when it was happening and i see blurry and light they say it might get better but who knows !

@swwo98 With NAION part of the optic nerve is destroyed and can not be reversed. I have 10% of my vision and with cataract surgery my 10% is clear. I do not have any perphial vision and can't see under my nose. Sounds like something weird happened during your cataract surgery. I wish you well!

Hi all. 5 days ago I woke up with pain in my eye, and felt like electricity in my vision when looking left to right and up and down. I thought it would go away on its own. I went to a ophthalmologist he checked my eyes and said the exam is normal and my vision disturbance is coming from lack oxygen. He said he didn’t know the cause. It was driving me insane that the lower left part of my vision in my left eye felt gone. I went to a big hospital they did a complete work up on me. They first suspected optic neuritis. But after an mri and the optic nerve not being swollen on the back side they ruled out, MS as well and I was diagnosed with NAION and given discharge papers. After reading all these threads I am not alone. I am a 41 year old male in good health. The way I can explain it is my eye had a “stroke” and the end results are permanent with no treatment. Very nerve racking and a hard pill to swallow. Does anyone have any help on how or what to take to save my other eye from this happening? I really need the support and thank you in advance.

I am glad you got a diagnosis, even though it is a very worrisome one for you. Now that you know, a visit or referral - sooner rather than later - to a Neuro ophthalmologist is your next step - can be hard to find except in a larger metro area, but my friend saw one for a related optic neurotic, and regained some of he damaged vision. This is also the place to get advice about protecting your other eye.
Good luck and let us hear how you progress.
Sue