Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (AION)

Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (AION) is a type of optic nerve eye stroke.
It occurs when inflammation damages the arteries that supply the optic nerve, most often due to giant cell arteritis (GCA). This condition can lead to sudden and severe vision loss.

Dr. Andy Rosenfarb cautions:

“AION is different from NAION. This isn’t just a circulation issue — it’s an inflammatory disease. If untreated, it can take vision in both eyes within weeks.”

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What is AION?

• AION is caused by arteritis (inflammation of the arteries).
• Most cases are linked to giant cell arteritis, an autoimmune condition.
• It typically affects older adults, especially women.
• It is a true medical emergency because it can blind both eyes quickly if untreated.

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Symptoms of AION

• Sudden severe vision loss in one eye
• Headaches, scalp tenderness, or temple pain
• Pain when chewing (jaw claudication)
• Fatigue, fever, or general malaise
• Double vision in some cases

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Causes & Risk Factors

The most common cause is giant cell arteritis (GCA). Risk factors include:

• Age over 60
• Female sex
• Polymyalgia rheumatica
• Autoimmune disorders
• Smoking

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Conventional Medicine’s Approach

Doctors treat AION as an emergency. Typical steps include:

• High-dose corticosteroids (oral or IV) to stop arterial inflammation
• Biopsy of the temporal artery to confirm giant cell arteritis
• Monitoring and follow-up imaging

While steroids can prevent blindness in the other eye, they often don’t restore lost vision in the affected eye.

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Holistic & Functional Treatments

At the Eye Health Institute, Dr. Rosenfarb supports patients by combining integrative therapies to protect and restore remaining vision.

Ophthalmic Acupuncture

Helps reduce inflammation, support circulation, and strengthen optic nerve resilience.

Alternating Current Microstimulation (ACS-3000)

Stimulates the optic nerve to promote repair and function.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Delivers oxygen directly to damaged tissues.

“Hyperbaric can help bypass inflamed blood vessels and nourish optic nerve cells under stress.”

Low-Level Laser Therapy

Targets oxidative stress and supports mitochondrial healing.

Nutrition & Herbal Support

Anti-inflammatory diets, omega-3 fatty acids, and herbs can reduce systemic inflammation and protect vascular health.

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Why Early Treatment Matters

Dr. Rosenfarb emphasizes:

“The sooner we intervene, the better we can preserve sight. With AION, delays can mean losing vision in both eyes.”

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Patient Story

A 68-year-old woman was diagnosed with giant cell arteritis and lost most of the vision in her left eye. After emergency steroid treatment, she began holistic therapies at the Eye Health Institute. Acupuncture, ACS, and supplements helped stabilize her right eye, and she retained enough sight to continue daily activities.

This demonstrates that while conventional care is essential, functional therapies can preserve quality of life.

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Next Steps for AION Patients

• Treat AION as a true emergency — rule out giant cell arteritis immediately.
• Use holistic care to protect remaining vision and reduce systemic inflammation.
• Learn about treatment modalities that support optic nerve recovery.
• Schedule a Telehealth consultation or in-office intensive with Dr. Rosenfarb.

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