Optic Neuropathy: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Optic neuropathy is a term that refers to damage to the optic nerve in the eye. The optic nerve is the nerve at the back of the eyeball that transmits visual information from the eye to the brain, allowing you to see.
Optic neuropathy is a condition that worsens over time if left untreated. This condition requires immediate medical attention.
What is Optic Neuropathy?
Optic neuropathy, which can take the form of Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION), damages the optic nerve as a result of changes in blood flow. When the blood flow to the optic nerve is cut off, it cannot get the oxygen it needs. As a result, its function gradually deteriorates and proper operation ceases.
Optic neuropathy is damage to the optic nerve, typically as a result of a change in blood flow. It has several forms, such as traumatic optic neuropathy, which occurs as a result of injury to the optic nerve. External factors damage the optic nerve and can cause mild to severe impairment or complete loss of vision.
What is Ischemic Optic Neuropathy?
Ischemic Optic Neuropathy is characterized by obstruction of blood flow.
When this condition occurs as a result of inflammation of the arteries, it is called anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. This condition is a sign of "giant cell arteritis" and means that the arteries are too inflamed to allow blood to pass through.
What Are the Symptoms of Optic Neuropathy?
Optic neuropathy is most common in people over the age of 50, but it can occur at any age.
Patients may have the following symptoms:
- Seeing flashing or flickering lights when moving the eyes.
- Colors may appear less dark or vibrant than they normally would.
- You may completely or partially lose sight in one eye. It can develop within hours and days, and some will heal within weeks. This situation may recur.
- Optic neuropathy patients often experience pain in the eyeball.
- A general loss of peripheral vision may develop.
- Pain in the eye.
Blood tests may be needed to diagnose giant cell arteritis, and imaging tests can assist in the diagnosis.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should see an eye doctor as soon as possible.
What Causes Optic Neuropathy?
In most cases, it is an underlying inherited condition or disease that causes anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.
However, there are some causes of nutritional optic neuropathy related to inflammation or high blood pressure. Nutritional deficiencies, including vitamin B12 deficiency, are common causes. It is necessary to avoid situations such as diabetes.
Optic Neuropathy Treatment
One of the most common questions people who suffer from this condition ask is: "Can optic neuropathy be treated?"
The truth is that non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy cannot be cured completely. NAION treatment is focused on controlling blood pressure and reducing the symptoms that cause it and preventing damage to the other eye.
Treatment for arterial ischemic optic neuropathy also tries to prevent further damage to the other eye and includes the use of anti-inflammatory drugs. Treatment depends entirely on the underlying condition causing optic neuropathy and requires a thorough evaluation by an ophthalmologist.
* The content of the page is for informational purposes only, please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
