What is ischemic optic neuropathy?

Ischemic (pronounced iss-KEE-mik) optic neuropathy (ION) is a relatively sudden loss of central vision, side vision, or both due to decreased or interrupted blood flow to the eye’s optic nerve.

In order for you to see, the optic nerve carries impulses from the eye to the brain, where they are interpreted as images. Without a healthy, functioning optic nerve, vision would not be possible.