Optic Neuropathies

What does it mean?

Optic neuropathy is impaired function of the optic nerve, the structure that carries visual information from the eye to the brain. Causes vary widely: inflammatory (optic neuritis), vascular (ischemic optic neuropathy), hereditary, toxic or nutritional, compressive, and other less common causes. Each has a different pattern of presentation, prognosis and management.

What symptoms can occur?

Reduced vision—which may be sudden or progressive depending on the cause—changes in color perception, and signs specifically assessed by the doctor, such as a relative afferent pupillary defect. Some conditions, including optic neuritis, may cause pain with eye movement.

How is it investigated?

Evaluation includes examination of the optic nerve, visual field assessment and optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the optic nerve. Depending on the findings, an MRI or other investigations may be needed to identify the cause. Distinguishing between the different causes of optic neuropathy requires this comprehensive clinical evaluation; symptoms alone cannot establish the diagnosis.

Where to receive an evaluation

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