Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) is characterized by sudden vision loss, optic disc edema, and a quadrant-shaped visual field defect connected to the physiologic blind spot. Clinically, it is classified into two types: non-arteritic AION (NAION) and arteritic AION (AAION). In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), anterior ischemic optic neuropathy falls within the category of “sudden blindness” (目系暴盲); when optic atrophy develops in the later stages, it falls within the category of “chronic blindness” (青盲).
TCM Pattern Differentiation and Medication Reference
| Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
The eyes appear normal externally. Sudden difficulty seeing in the upper or lower visual field, shadows or even blindness; no eye pain. The optic disc appears pale gray and swollen on fundus examination, with blurred margins; hemorrhage or exudation may be seen around the disc, and the retinal arteries are narrowed. May also include distending discomfort in the chest and flanks, dizziness, and headache; the tongue is purple or dark, or has stasis spots, with a thin white coating; the pulse is wiry or choppy.
In plain language:
- The eyes look normal from the outside.
- Suddenly, the upper or lower part of the visual field becomes difficult to see, or a shadow blocks the vision; in severe cases, vision may be lost.
- The eye itself does not hurt.
- The optic nerve head appears grayish-white and swollen on fundus examination, with indistinct edges.
- Bleeding or leakage may be visible around the optic nerve.
- The arteries in the fundus appear narrowed, like fine lines.
- A feeling of fullness or distension in the chest and rib area.
- Dizziness accompanied by headache.
- The tongue may look dark purple or have dark stasis spots.
- The tongue coating is thin and white.
- The pulse feels taut like a plucked string or uneven and sluggish.
| Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Invigorate blood and resolve stasis; regulate qi and unblock the channels.
In plain language:
- Promote blood circulation and disperse stasis, with the aim of easing stabbing or distending pain and purple discoloration from stasis.
- Regulate the movement of qi and help it flow smoothly, with the aim of easing fullness in the chest or abdomen and belching discomfort.
- Unblock the channels and collaterals, with the aim of easing numbness, stiffness, and pulling pain.
| Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
| Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Eye symptoms and examination findings are as described above; soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, dizziness, tinnitus or hearing loss, insomnia, and night sweats; the tongue is somewhat red with little coating; the pulse is thin and rapid.
In plain language:
- Eye symptoms and examination findings are as described above.
- Soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees.
- Dizziness or vertigo.
- Ringing in the ears and reduced hearing.
- Difficulty falling asleep and excessive sweating at night.
- The tongue looks somewhat red.
- There is very little tongue coating.
- The pulse feels thin and rapid, at approximately 90–130 beats per minute at rest.
| Treatment Approach
Nourish the Liver and Kidneys
Nourish and replenish the Liver and Kidneys.
In plain language:
- Nourish Liver-Kidney essence, blood, and vitality, with the aim of easing soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, tinnitus, and fatigue.
- Support the sinews, bones, and stamina, and reduce night sweats, aversion to cold, and declining physical strength.
- Ease blurred vision and dry eyes and support more restful sleep and a steadier overall state.
| Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
| Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Eye symptoms and examination findings are as described above; dry eyes; intermittent headache, pressure in the eyes, or dizziness; irritability and a tendency to anger; facial flushing and a sensation of heat; palpitations, forgetfulness, insomnia, and vivid dreams; bitter taste and dry throat; the tongue is red with a thin yellow coating; the pulse is wiry and thin, or rapid.
In plain language:
- Eye symptoms and examination findings are as described above.
- The eyes feel dry and uncomfortable.
- Headache and pressure in the eyes, or episodes of dizziness.
- Easily irritated or angered, with facial flushing and a feeling of heat.
- Palpitations and forgetfulness, with insomnia and vivid dreams.
- A bitter taste in the mouth and a dry throat.
- The tongue is somewhat red, with a thin yellow coating.
- The pulse feels taut and thin, or faster than usual, at 90 to 130 beats per minute at rest.
| Treatment Approach
Nourish Yin, Subdue Yang, and Invigorate Blood to Unblock the Channels
Nourish Yin, subdue rising Yang, invigorate blood, and unblock the channels.
In plain language:
- Nourish body fluids and Yin, and help settle upward-rising symptoms, with the aim of easing dizziness, restlessness, hot flashes, and night sweats.
- Help settle excessive Yang and support more stable mood and sleep, with the aim of easing head pressure and eye redness.
- Promote blood circulation and unblock the channels, with the aim of easing stabbing pain, numbness, and pulling discomfort.
| Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
| Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Eye symptoms and examination findings are as described above; the person is often overweight and may also have dizziness, chest tightness, irritability, poor appetite, nausea, a bitter taste, and thick phlegm; the tongue is red with a yellow, greasy coating; the pulse is wiry and slippery.
In plain language:
- Eye symptoms and examination findings are as described above.
- The person is overweight.
- Dizziness or vertigo.
- Chest tightness and irritability.
- Poor appetite and nausea.
- A bitter taste in the mouth and thick phlegm that is difficult to bring up.
- The tongue is somewhat red.
- The tongue coating is yellow, thick, and greasy.
- The pulse feels taut and slippery under pressure.
| Treatment Approach
Transform Phlegm, Unblock the Channels, Invigorate Blood, and Open the Orifices
Transform phlegm, unblock the channels, invigorate blood, and open the orifices.
In plain language:
- Transform thick phlegm and clear obstruction, with the aim of easing chest tightness, coughing up phlegm, and feelings of heaviness and stickiness.
- Unblock the channels and the flow of qi and blood, with the aim of easing numbness, stiffness, and pulling pain.
- Promote blood flow and help unblock obstructed pathways, with the aim of supporting clearer awareness, vision, and hearing.
| Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
References
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- Yan Meirong, Li Zhengxian, Zhou Yiming, et al. Observation of the therapeutic effect of compound anisodine combined with Xueshuantong in the treatment of ischemic optic neuropathy [J]. Journal of Clinical Military Medicine, 2013, 41(8): 823–824.
- Wang Manhua, Tang Miaomiao, Shen Lanke, et al. Recent developments in the treatment of ischemic optic neuropathy with TCM [J]. Chinese Journal of Chinese Ophthalmology, 2013, 23(2): 149–151.
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