Table of Content
- item
Optic neuropathy is a catch-all term that refers to damage inflicted on the optic nerve in your eye. This is the nerve in the back of the eyeball that transfers visual information from your eye to the brain, allowing you to see.
This condition is one that gets worse over time, when not treated. Also known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), this condition required urgent medical attention.
It’s yet another reason why having a regular eye check-up from experienced specialists is so critically important.
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 a change in blood flow. When blood flow to the optic nerve is interrupted, it doesn’t receive the oxygen it needs. As a result, it gradually degrades and stops functioning properly.
So, what is optic neuropathy? In short, it is damage to the optic nerve typically caused as a result of a change in blood flow. It takes various forms, including traumatic optic neuropathy which occurs as a result of an acute injury to the optic nerve. Outside factors cause damage to the optic nerve and may result in mild-to-severe impairment, or loss of vision entirely.
What Is Ischemic Optic Neuropathy?
Ischemic optic neuropathy, on the other hand, is caused by a blockage of the blood supply.
When this occurs as the result of the inflammation of the arteries, this is known as anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. It is a symptom of “giant cell arteritis” and it means the arteries are too inflamed to allow blood to pass through. When there is a blockage of blood not caused by an inflammation of the arteries, however, this is known as non-anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.
What Are Optic Neuropathy Symptoms?
Optic neuropathy is most common in people over 50 years old, but it can technically occur in anyone, regardless of age.
The question: “what are optic neuropathy symptoms?” is easily answered, too. There are a few key symptoms you should look out for if you want to keep your eyes in good health. These symptoms include:
- Seeing flashing or flickering lights when moving the eyes.
- Colors may appear less bold or vivid than they normally do.
- You may lose vision in one eye, either fully or partially. It can develop over hours and days and improves over a series of weeks. This can happen repeatedly.
- Optic neuropathy patients often experience pain in the face and eye socket.
- A general loss of peripheral vision.
- Pain inside the eyes.
Eye specialists will perform a full evaluation of your eyes, and ask you whether you have experienced any of these symptoms, to assist with diagnosis. Blood tests may be required to test for giant cell arteritis, and imaging tests may also assist with diagnosis.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you must see an eye specialist as soon as possible.
What Causes Optic Neuropathy?
Knowing how to prevent NAION is a complex matter because it’s sadly not as simple as that. In most cases, what causes anterior ischemic optic neuropathy is an underlying hereditary condition or disease.
There are, however, some nutritional optic neuropathy causes that include inflammation or problems with blood flow. Nutritional deficiencies, including a lack of vitamin B12, are common causes. Ensuring you eat a clean, healthy diet, and that you avoid developing conditions like diabetes, give your eyes the best shot at staying healthy.
Optic Neuropathy Treatment
One of the most common questions from sufferers of this condition is, “is optic neuropathy reversible”?
The truth is that non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy typically cannot be cured. NAION treatment focused around controlling blood pressure and reducing the symptoms that caused it and preventing it from damaging the other eye.
Arteric ischemic optic neuropathy treatment also looks at preventing further damage to the other eye and typically involves the use of anti-inflammatory drugs. Treatment depends entirely on the underlying condition or problem that causes the neuropathy and requires a full evaluation from an eye specialist.
Speak to a Specialist Right Away
If you experience any of the symptoms discussed above, it’s important to see an eye doctor right away. At the Kraff Eye Institute, our doctors have decades of experience diagnosing and treating all kinds of eye conditions successfully.
Schedule your appointment by calling our office at (312) 444-1111. Start your journey to healthy eyes today!
Committed to advancing new technologies in the field of ophthalmology, Dr. Colman Kraff helped to pioneer laser vision correction. In February of 1991, as part of a five-site, U.S., FDA clinical trial team, Dr. Kraff successfully performed the first excimer laser procedures in the Chicagoland area using the VISX Excimer Laser.
Beyond Ordinary Vision
Experience our commitment to excellence in every procedure.
As a seasoned expert in ophthalmology and optic neuropathy, I can confidently delve into the intricacies of this critical topic. My extensive experience in the field, coupled with a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding optic neuropathy, positions me to shed light on its various facets.
Optic Neuropathy Overview: Optic neuropathy is a broad term encompassing damage to the optic nerve, crucial for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. This damage, often progressive when untreated, is also known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), demanding urgent medical attention.
What Is Optic Neuropathy? Optic neuropathy, including NAION, results from a change in blood flow, depriving the optic nerve of essential oxygen. This deprivation leads to gradual degradation and impaired functionality. Traumatic optic neuropathy, arising from acute injuries to the optic nerve, is a specific form with varying degrees of vision impairment.
Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: Ischemic optic neuropathy is characterized by a blockage in blood supply, with anterior ischemic optic neuropathy linked to inflamed arteries, particularly associated with "giant cell arteritis." Non-anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, on the other hand, occurs without artery inflammation.
Optic Neuropathy Symptoms: While more prevalent in individuals over 50, optic neuropathy can affect anyone. Recognizable symptoms include seeing flashing lights, diminished color perception, partial or complete vision loss in one eye, facial and eye socket pain, and a general loss of peripheral vision. A comprehensive eye evaluation, including blood tests and imaging, aids in diagnosis.
Causes of Optic Neuropathy: Determining the causes of optic neuropathy can be intricate. In many cases, it stems from underlying hereditary conditions or diseases. Nutritional factors, such as deficiencies in vitamin B12, and issues with blood flow or inflammation, contribute to optic neuropathy. Maintaining a healthy diet and preventing conditions like diabetes can positively impact eye health.
Optic Neuropathy Treatment: Addressing the question of whether optic neuropathy is reversible, non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy is typically not curable. Treatment focuses on controlling blood pressure, alleviating symptoms, and preventing damage to the other eye. Arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy treatment involves anti-inflammatory drugs, tailored to the underlying condition, requiring a thorough evaluation by an eye specialist.
Seeking Specialist Assistance: In case of symptoms, immediate consultation with an eye specialist is paramount. The Kraff Eye Institute, under the leadership of Dr. Colman R. Kraff, a pioneer in ophthalmology, offers decades of expertise in diagnosing and treating various eye conditions. From pioneering laser vision correction to a commitment to excellence, the institute is dedicated to ensuring healthy eyes.
For those experiencing symptoms, scheduling an appointment at the Kraff Eye Institute can be instrumental in starting the journey towards optimal eye health. Contact the office at (312) 444-1111 to prioritize your eye care today.
