Optic atrophy refers to damage to your optic nerve, which carries impulses from your eye to your brain. Optic atrophy can lead to permanent vision loss. Possible causes include infections, inflammation and lack of blood flow. Providers can treat the causes, which can help to stop the progression of the disease.
Optic atrophy is a condition that affects the cells of your optic nerve, which carries impulses from your eye to your brain. “Atrophy” means to waste away or deteriorate. Optic nerve atrophy is another name for optic atrophy, and it’s a serious condition.
Atrophy of the optic nerve is a condition that happens because of long-term damage to optic nerve fibers from many different causes. Optic atrophy can cause irreversible issues with vision, including blindness.
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Optic atrophy symptoms relate to changes in vision, including:
Nerve fibers that transmit impulses to your brain make up your optic nerve. In the case of optic atrophy, something is interfering with your optic nerve’s ability to transmit these impulses. Many factors can cause this interference, including:
You can’t catch optic atrophy from anyone, but many types of infections can cause the condition. These infections include:
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Optic atrophy can’t be reversed. The major complication is loss of vision, or blindness.
It’s important to see an eye care specialist if you have any vision issues. They’ll begin by asking questions about your symptoms and your medical history. They may ask about what you eat, drink and what drugs or medications you take, including supplements. Then, they’ll do an eye exam.
During testing, your provider will use an ophthalmoscope to look at your eyes. With optic atrophy, there are cell changes that providers can see, along with a paleness to your optic disc. The lack of color is related to blood flow changes in optic atrophy.
Your provider, who may also be looking for things like multiple sclerosis or tumors, may rely on other tests like these:
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There’s no real cure or treatment for optic atrophy. This is why it’s so important to have regular eye exams and to see your healthcare provider right away for vision changes.
Your provider will need to treat the cause of the optic atrophy to stop the condition from getting worse. For instance, they may need to remove a tumor or remove fluid from your brain and spinal cord.
In most cases, you can’t prevent optic atrophy. You may be able to decrease your risk in some cases. For instance, you can:
The outlook for people with optic atrophy depends on what’s causing the issue. If the cause is optic neuritis, you can usually count on eventually getting your vision back when the inflammation goes away. If the cause is some other optic neuropathy, your vision might not improve.
If you have glaucoma, early diagnosis can lead to successful treatment and slower growth of optic atrophy. Early diagnosis of a tumor can lead to prompt treatment and better outcomes. This can relieve the pressure on your optic nerve and prevent further damage.
If your sight worsens, ask your provider about ways to cope with low vision. There are low-vision aids like special lenses and magnifying glasses. There are also non-optical materials, like text-reading software.
You should see a provider for regular eye exams, especially if you have any type of eye-related conditions. You should consult a provider if you have any changes in your vision, like blurry vision, or difficulties with color vision or with peripheral vision.
If you have a sudden loss of vision or extreme eye pain, call your provider or get immediate medical help. These can be symptoms of serious eye conditions.
You likely have many questions for your healthcare provider. You may want to ask a friend or family member to come to an appointment with you. And you may want to bring a list of questions and a notebook to record the answers.
These are some questions you might want your provider to answer:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
If you’re at risk of optic nerve damage, eye care appointments are very important. Optic nerve atrophy can lead to vision loss, which can cause changes to how you live. Your providers are your partners in getting and staying healthy. While optic atrophy is a serious condition, there are ways that you can get the help that you may need.
Last reviewed on 07/14/2023.
Learn more about the Health Library and our editorial process.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy