Ischemic optic neuropathy, often referred to as a stroke of the optic nerve, is one of the major causes of visual impairment or loss of vision. Yet it is a highly controversial and confusing subject because of the general lack of in-depth scientific understanding of the subject. In this book the leading authority in the field describes in detail the current knowledge about the different forms of the often devastating disease. Insights into the underlying pathogenesis and peculiar clinical features are given, leading the reader to the most appropriate way of management. This information will help any physician dealing with patients who suffer from sudden loss of vision.

Sohan Singh HAYREH, MD, PhD (London), DSc (London), FRCS (England, FRCS (Edinburgh), FRCOphth (Honorary) is Professor Emeritus of Ophthalmology and Director of the Ocular Vascular Clinic at the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the College of Medicine, University of Iowa City, USA. Professor Hayreh has done basic, experimental and clinical research on various aspects of ischemic optic neuropathy since 1955, and more than 90% of the seminal information on ischemic optic neuropathy is based on his studies. In 1975 he published the book Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy with Springer. Since then he has done a tremendous amount of clinical (in more than 1500 patients) and basic research on the subject of Ischemic Optic Neuropathy. Professor Hayreh furthermore published a fair amount of his work in Graefes Archive of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology and is a frequent reviewer of papers for the journal.

Terminology and Types of Ischemic Optic Neuropathy. basic sciences: Structure of the Optic Nerve.- Blood Supply of the Optic Nerve.- Blood Optic Nerve Barrier.- Factors Influencing the Optic Nerve Head Blood Flow.- Measurement of the Optic Nerve Head Blood Flow. clinical sciences: Optic Disc.- Clinical Evaluation of Patients with Ischemic Optic Neuropathy.- General Characteristics of Giant Cell Arteritis.- Clinical Features of Giant Cell Arteritis.- Diagnostic Criteria for Giant Cell Arteritis.- Ophthalmic Manifestations of Giant Cell Arteritis.- Management of Management of Giant Cell Arteritis to Prevent Visual Loss.- Pathogenesis of Classical Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy.- Pathogenesis of Some Controversial Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Clinical Entities.-  Clinical Features of Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy.- Management of Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy.- Animal Model of Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy.- Classification and Incidence of Posterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy.- Pathogenesis of Posterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy.- Clinical Features of Posterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy.- Management of Posterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy.