Platelet-Rich Plasma for Acute Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study
Platelet-Rich Plasma for Acute Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study
This prospective randomized clinical study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in patients with acute non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Eligible patients are randomly assigned to receive posterior subtenon PRP injections or to an observation-only control group. The PRP group receives injections at baseline and during follow-up. Comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluations, including best-corrected visual acuity, visual field testing, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measurements, are performed at baseline and scheduled follow-up visits. The primary outcomes include changes in visual function and structural optic nerve parameters, as well as the incidence of treatment-related adverse events.
This prospective randomized clinical study is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of posterior subtenon autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in patients diagnosed with acute non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Patients meeting the inclusion criteria are enrolled and randomly assigned, using computer-assisted randomization, to either the PRP treatment group or an observation-only control group.
Patients in the PRP group receive posterior subtenon injections of autologous PRP at baseline and during scheduled follow-up visits. The control group is managed with observation alone and receives no interventional treatment. All participants undergo comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations at baseline and at predefined follow-up visits, including assessments of best-corrected visual acuity, visual field testing, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measurements obtained by optical coherence tomography.
Patients are followed longitudinally to assess changes in functional and structural optic nerve parameters, as well as to monitor for any ocular or systemic adverse events related to the intervention. Safety evaluations are performed at each follow-up visit throughout the study period.
Inclusion Criteria:
Acute, painless vision loss and/or visual field defect
Symptom onset within 14 days prior to enrollment
Age 40 years or older
Ability to cooperate with best-corrected visual acuity and visual field examinations
Willingness and ability to complete all follow-up visits (weeks 1, 3, 6, 8, and 16)
Provision of written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
Posterior ischemic optic neuropathy
Age under 40 years
Presence of concomitant ocular diseases that could affect visual outcomes (e.g., glaucoma, diabetic macular edema, retinal dystrophy)
Presence of neurological diseases that may affect the optic nerve (e.g., demyelinating disease, intracranial or intraorbital mass)
Inability to cooperate with visual acuity or visual field testing
Presence of systemic hematological disorders that could interfere with platelet-rich plasma preparation