Severe obstructive sleep apnea diagnosed after non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy in a young man

Abstract

Non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is the most common acute optic neuropathy in older individuals but may also occur in younger patients. A 30-year-old man presented with a 2-day history of right eye painless vision loss and was found to have right optic disc oedema and a left ‘disc-at-risk’. He was diagnosed with right NAION and review of symptoms revealed witnessed apnea at night and episodes where he woke up gasping for air, concerning for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A formal sleep study revealed severe OSA and he was treated with continuous positive airway pressure to reduce his risk of fellow eye involvement and reduce his overall cardiovascular risk. OSA should be considered in every patient with NAION, especially in younger patients without any additional risk factors.