Optic nerve damage that results in destruction or degeneration of the optic nerve is known as optic nerve atrophy. This article gives some causes of optic nerve atrophy.
Causes
- Optic neuritis: Optic nerve inflammation is known as optic neuritis. It may be followed by eye pain that is worsened by movement of the eye. Some patients suffering from optic neuritis may develop MS (multiple sclerosis) in later stages of their life.
- Glaucoma: An increased pressure in the eye may result in glaucoma. This increased pressure may affect the optic nerve eventually if it is not treated.
- Toxic optic neuropathy: Poisons and nutritional deficiencies can cause optic atrophy and gradual vision loss. It may also be associated with optic disc swelling and sudden vision loss. Nutritional and toxic optic neuropathies are not common in the U.S.
Tobacco-alcohol amblyopia may be caused due to cyanide exposure from smoking tobacco and by deficiency in vitamin B12, because of poor absorption and poor nutrition associated with alcohol consumption. Methyl alcohol, cyanide, ethambutol, ethylene glycol (antifreeze), carbon monoxide and lead are other possible toxins.
Deficiencies of the folate or B vitamins and protein associated with malabsorption, alcoholism and starvation.
- Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy: This disease is commonly seen in young men. It is characterized by severe, painless, visual loss in one eye over a few weeks. After some months or weeks later same process can be seen in the other eye. Optic disc swelling may appear at first, but slowly there is optic dystrophy. Generally the visual loss is permanent. This is a hereditary condition. If a patient is aware that Leber’s disease runs in their family, he/she should go for genetic counseling.
- Compressive optic neuropathy: Tumor or any other lesion which increase optic nerve pressure may result in compressive optic neuropathy.
- Retinitis pigmentosa: This disorder is hereditary.
