I have NAION in my left eye. A month ago, I had cataract surgery in my right eye – and all went well. I now understand my left (NAION) eye also has a cataract. I'm trying to decide if its worth risking the small amount of sight I have in that eye to do the surgery. Has anyone had cataract surgery on an eye where they suffered NAION? If yes, what was the outcome? Thanks!

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@splq1955 – welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.

Hoping members like @weezy1939 @drealtormia @pedie @greyhound3 @bgoren will share with you how they it their lives one with non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) have been treated.

Have you experienced any vision loss, splq1955?

@weezy1939 MayoClinic doctor and my own eye doctor did not recommend anything except to take good care of my health. Lack of sight has caused me to slow down physically which then causes other problems. Hard to walk in crowds and winter weather so I am in Florida for a month where I can walk fast on beach and not bump into people. When I get back home I am having cataract surgery and hope it clears up what little sight I have. Have any of you had cataract surgery in eye with NAION? My doctor doesn't think it will help but hope I prove him wrong.

@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!