Retrobulbar haemodynamics and carotid wall thickness in patients with non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy

Aim: To compare retrobulbar haemodynamics and ipsilateral carotid wall thickness of patients with unilateral non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) with their contralateral side. Methods: Seventeen patients with unilateral NAION participated in this study. By means of Colour Doppler imaging, the blood-flow velocities of the ophthalmic artery were measured. Intima-media thickness (IMT) of common carotid and internal carotid arteries were measured using B-mode ultrasonography. Measurements of the affected side were compared with the non-involved side. Results: Flow velocities in the ophthalmic arteries on the side of the eyes with NAION were significantly decreased compared with those on the side of the unaffected eyes (p < 0.001). In addition, in all patients, both common and internal carotid artery IMT were significantly greater on the side of the NAION compared with the contralateral side (p < 0.001). Conclusion: NAION may be associated with decreased retrobulbar flow velocities and increased carotid wall thickness.