Optic Nerve Atrophy

Optic atrophy

Optic atrophy is a disease characterized by gradual degeneration of the optic nerve leading to partial or complete blindness.

Etiology

Causes of development of optic nerve atrophy:

1. Diseases of the optic nerve and retina
2. Lesions of the brain, its membranes and blood vessels
3. Intoxication
4. Hereditary factors

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis is based on the destruction of the nerve fibers of the optic nerve and their replacement with glial and connective tissue.

Symptoms and course

There are primary and secondary, partial and complete, stationary and progressive forms of optic nerve atrophy.

With primary atrophy, the optic disc is pale, the boundaries are clear, the formation of a flat excavation, and narrowing of the retinal vessels are noted. Decreased vision, concentric narrowing of the visual field, scotomas.

With secondary atrophy, the disc is pale, the boundaries are unclear, and the retinal veins are dilated. With partial atrophy, the changes are less pronounced.

With a progressive form - a steady decrease in vision, with a stationary form - stabilization.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis is based on ophthalmoscopy and visual function tests.

Treatment

1. Treatment of the underlying disease
2. Improving blood supply to the optic nerve (nicotinic acid, no-spa, dibazol, nigexin)
3. Vitamins B1, B12, glutamic acid
4. Lipocerebrin, aloe
5. Physiotherapy

The prognosis when partial atrophy stabilizes can be relatively favorable.