Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy(NAION) is a common clinical kind of acute optic neuropathy and very harmful to visual function.Ocular risk

factors for NAION include small disc or small cup, optic disc drusen, intraocular pressure change, systemic disease associated ophthalmopathy. Systemic risk factors include hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis,  obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS),  abnormal blood coagulation, nocturnal hypotension, and using some drugs such as phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors, interferon alpha, and amiodarone. However, it has not yet been clear about the pathogenesis and related pathogenic factors about NAION. This article gives a brief summary about the pathogenesis and risk factors of NAION. (Int Rev Ophthalmol, 2016, 40: 310-315)