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