KNOW ABOUT THIS CONDITION
The most common cause of Optic Neuropathy is poor blood flow, which is called Ischemic Optic Neuropathy and most often affects elderly people. Damage to the optic nerve can also be hereditary (inherited) or caused by shock, radiation, toxic substances or trauma.
Other causes include diseases of the brain or central nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis, stroke and brain tumours, as well as eye diseases such as glaucoma. The main symptoms of Optic Atrophy include: vision colour vision peripheral vision brightness in one eye compared to the other.
If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, it does not necessarily mean you have Optic Atrophy, so don’t panic. Make an appointment to see your optometrist, who can undertake a complete eye exam and refer you to an appropriate eye doctor if Optic Atrophy is suspected.
The eye examination is the first step in the diagnostic process. Your eye doctor will assess your colour vision, peripheral vision, pupil reaction to light, visual acuity, and will also look inside your eye with an instrument called an ophthalmoscope to determine whether your optic nerve appears pale.
If results are inconclusive, further testing may be required, including blood tests and an MRI.
Unfortunately vision loss caused by Optic Atrophy cannot be reversed. However, discovery and treatment of the underlying disease or cause can help to prevent further visual damage or blindness. Most causes of Optic Atrophy cannot be prevented, but there are some measures you can take to help protect yourself:
Schedule a routine eye examination every two years with your optometrist to check for glaucoma (or more frequently if you have a strong family history of glaucoma)
Prevent injuries to the face. Always wear a seatbelt to protect yourself in the event of a motor vehicle accident
Never drink forms of alcohol not intended for consumption, as methanol (often found in home brew) can cause Optic Atrophy
Have your blood pressure checked regularly and managed by your doctor.
As with most disorders, early diagnosis is the key to finding out what is causing the damage and can help to prevent further vision loss.