Ischemic optic neuropathy - or injury to the optic nerve presumed to be caused by reduced blood flow - is the most frequent, acute optic neuropathy in patients over the age of 50 and the second-most common cause of severe vision loss in adults with glaucoma.

    Ischemic optic neuropathies are subdivided by the part of the optic nerve they damage (i.e., front or back), with the majority of injuries due to reduced blood flow (about 90% to 95%) affecting the anterior or front-most portion of the optic nerve. This common type of optic neuropathy is aptly named non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (or more simply NAION). It is non-arteritic because the reduced blood flow that causes the damage to the optic nerve is not associated with a local pathological  process of the blood vessels (e.g. inflammation, clot).

    Ischaemic optic neuropathy treatment Berlin Germany

    This acute condition typically causes sudden and pain-free vision loss that occurs over hours to days and is often described as blurry or dim vision, with notable cloudiness and profound visual field defects. In many cases, the vision loss stays fairly stable with little to no improvement once it has occurred. About 35% to 40% of patients, however, do experience spontaneous partial improvements in visual acuity. In addition, those patients who experience NAION in only one eye have a 15% to 19% risk of developing a similar condition in the opposite eye within approximately five years; presently there is no proven prophylactic to prevent this occurring, although many experts recommend the use of aspirin after an initial episode.

     

    Ischaemic optic neuropathy treatment Berlin Germany
    Conditions Responsible for Developing Ischaemic Optic Neuropathy. 
    The mechanism/(s) that cause reduced blood flow to the optic nerve in NAION remains/(n) unclear. It is, however, known that this condition happens more often in patients with high cholesterol, arteriosclerosis, nocturnal hypotension, blood loss, glaucoma, elevated homocysteine and sleep apnea, and who smoke or have suffered stroke or cardiac and intraocular surgery.  Diabetes is also associated with the development of NAION at a younger age, and with the reoccurrence of NAION in a second eye. Most patients who develop NAION also have ‘disc-at-risk’ anatomy of the optic nerve that presents compression problems that could contribute to impaired blood circulation; especially in patients who smoke, or take hormones (like oral contraceptives), erectile dysfunction drugs, and certain drugs addressed to treat heart arrhythmia or  autoimmune conditions. 

    Visual Symptoms Caused By NAION

    The symptoms associated with ischemic optic neuropathy are varied and include:

    Foggy, Hazy Vision
    (Difficulty distinguishing contrast)
    Blurry Vision
    (Dull eyesight with limited near and distance vision)
    Missing Areas in Field of Vision 
    (Blindspots/ holes in your vision)
    Increased Sensitivity to Light
    (Glare is a frequent problem)

    Ischemic Optic Neuropathy. We can help.

    Fedorov Therapy slows Eyesight Loss caused by Glaucoma


    While there is still no established treatment for ischemic optic neuropathy, various medical therapies have been studied - without yet demonstrating definitive beneficial results - including medications which improve blood supply or make blood more thinner and using of hormones. It has also been theorized that some agents may have a neuroprotective role in ischemic optic neuropathy.
    Our breakthrough study, conducted in Germany from 2007 to 2012, revealed the possibility of functional eyesight restoration. This successful human trial showed stable results; meaning that a person’s vision continued to respond favourably for months after the treatment was applied. 

    Fedorov Restoration Therapy

    loss-of-vision-treatment-about-clinic
    Fedorov Therapy – a treatment we developed and patented – is a relatively new technology developed in the 1990s and used clinically since 1991. It’s a non-invasive and non-surgical way to naturally restore visual function, accomplished by applying weak electrical currents to areas around the eye. Electrical stimulation doesn’t replace damaged cells; instead it increases the functionality of preserved neurons on the retina and enhances the activity of the visual system overall. Since 1993, we have helped improve the vision of over 700 patients suffering from glaucoma.

    Treatment Benefits

    Considering that the severity of optic nerve damage and lesion age will affect the level of improvement in a person’s vision, we know that our treatments result in:

    We have prepared in-depth NAION resource to educate patients, and their family members. 

     

    „What is NAION and Is Eyesight Loss Irreversible? Scientific Research and Clinical Practice“

    Read More About NAION

    What Our Patients Are Saying

    FAQ

    How does Fedorov Restoration Therapy work?
    Fedorov Therapy is based on a relatively new technology developed in the 1990s and used clinically since 1991. Repeated transorbital alternating current stimulation (rtACS) doesn’t require an operation or the implantation of electrodes in the eye. Fedorov Therapy isn’t aimed at the replacement of damaged cells, but instead is focused on increasing the usefulness of preserved neurons on the retina and on the improvement of conductivity along the optic nerve. Research has shown that, if such stimulation is performed over a period of several weeks, there’s significant activation of the visual system at all levels and throughout the brain. This new, functional state of the visual system is referred to as “induced plasticity.” Such plasticity is strongly needed to restore sight when there’s deterioration as a result of optic-nerve damage.
    Has the effectiveness of Fedorov Therapy been clinically proven?
    This technology was proven in large, multi-center trials conducted at clinical centers like Charite in Berlin and other major universities in Germany. These trials were designed as randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled evidence class Ib studies.
    How safe is Fedorov Therapy?

    The safety of this therapy was confirmed in clinical trials conducted in Germany in 2007 to 2013, and in a large group of patients treated in Russia in 1991 to 2004.

    Side effects from Fedorov Restoration Therapy may result when a patient has contraindications. If such contraindications are excluded, there is no risk of adverse effects on vision or any other functions. Some undesired effects such as tiredness, weakness, a short-lived headache and sleep disturbances have been observed, but do not require treatment.
    I have advanced optic nerve damage. Is there any chance my vision will improve with Fedorov Therapy?

    The expected results of Fedorov Restoration Therapy depend on many individual factors. Advanced optic-nerve damage requires several courses of therapy in combination with visual training to produce improvement. More than half of our patients have advanced damage, and, with our collective experience, we’ve been able to help them. Severe optic-nerve damage limits the possibility of significant improvement, but doesn’t exclude it. After your request, we’ll provide you with the list of medical records that we need to review your case.

    When can I expect to see a positive change in my vision?

    Initial positive changes can be observed during the first 10 sessions of Fedorov Therapy. With repeated visual-field tests, the degree of change can be estimated after two weeks. In most cases, you should see a stable improvement within four to eight weeks after the treatment. In the case of progressive vision deterioration (e.g., glaucoma), Fedorov Therapy is able to significantly slow down the progression of the condition or even stop it.
    The resulting improvement is typically stable. Follow-up results one year after treatment have shown 80% to 85% stable improvement. Instability can take place if there are factors that affect vision negatively, like elevated eye pressure for glaucoma patients.

    What can I expect my treatment to include?
    1. Before treatment begins, we have a comprehensive discussion with you about your options, and we perform a vision exam. Once we have the test results and understand the condition of your eyesight, we’ll provide you with a treatment plan. The possible results of the Fedorov Therapy are discussed with you at that time.
    2. Treatment sessions are performed over a two week period, from Monday to Friday. Each session’s duration is 60-90 minutes.
    3. Once your course of therapy is complete, you’re thoroughly examined and your results are discussed.
    4. We provide you with a Findings Report that includes the results of your ophthalmological exam. We also develop a Personalized Care Plan with possible strategies for the upcoming months, and customized for your specific needs.
    How do you whether Fedorov Restoration Therapy will help improve my vision?

    Our evaluation about the suitability of our medical services for you is free of charge.

    To determine if Fedorov Therapy will benefit you, we need to review your relevant medical records. Before doing so, however, we need to first rule out possible contraindications to our therapy. For that, a checklist must be completed; only after we review the information in your checklist, and confirm there are no contraindications, will we start a thorough review of your medical records. 

    Usually, our review of your medical condition is processed within two to three working days. At the very least, we’ll want to assess the following:  (a) ophthalmological reports with detailed results of eyesight evaluation; (b) visual field charts. In cases of extremely low vision, this may not be available; (c) other relevant records and test results such as optic nerve and retina OCT, brain MRI, or CT reports; (d) a narrative of the history of the vision problem written by you.

    If you don’t have copies of your history, we’ll ask you to obtain copies of your medical files from your healthcare provider. Our referral form will be provided on demand.

    If you aren’t able to send us the required package of medical information, but you feel that you are a candidate for Fedorov Therapy, we can still help. We will help to collect the required evaluations, ophthalmological tests and exams to determine if our treatment is right for you. You will be charged for that service.

    We have found that our services are not typically covered by insurance. We suggest that patients should be prepared for the out-of-pocket expense for the treatment. We can provide upon your request the cost of our services, testing and therapies.

    Does Fedorov Restoration Therapy improve quality of life?

    The improvement of quality of life is our main goal. We reach this through a combination of different medical approaches, such as Fedorov Therapy, visual training, and medications. Once the vision restoration treatment starts, many of our patients have a positive response. Keep in mind that increased quality of life can be achieved only if the patient follows our prescribed recommendations. If you entrust your treatment to us, a Personalized Care Plan will be provided; following our tested guidelines can increase your chances of significant vision restoration.

    Get in touch today