Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is one of the most common acute optic neuropathy in adult characterized with impaired visual acuity and visual fields. The pathogenesis of NAION mostly result from the interactions between the systemic risk factors (such as diabetes mellitus, night hypotension, hereditary) and the local ocular risk factors (such as small optic disc and vitreo-papillary traction). A fully promoted diagnosis and treatment of NAION are based on the higher levels of clinical evidence, as well as the comprehensive assessment of relationship between the systemic and ocular risk factors in the pathogenesis of NAION. Secondary optic neuropathy of NAION and the early diagnosis with effective treatment of the fellow eye would be highly emphasized.