Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. IV. Occurrence after cataract extraction
S. S. Hayreh
Findings are described from 13 eyes in which post-cataract-extraction
anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (PCE-AION) developed immediately after
an uncomplicated cataract extraction. During the early stages of the
disease, the disc is edematous, with optic disc-related visual-field
defects, but after about two months, the disc is pale. The almost
invariable high rise of intraocular pressure during the immediate
postoperative period plays a critical role in production of PCE-AION in
eyes with vulnerable optic nerve head circulation. There is a high risk of
development of PCE-AION in the second eye in patients with PCE-AION in the
first eye, but this can be prevented by prophylactic measures.
Post-cataract-extraction AION needs to be differentiated from ordinary AION
seen in aphakic eyes months or years after the cataract extraction.
