Optic Nerve Thinning (Optic Atrophy): All You Need to Know
Optic Nerve Thinning is a condition that affects the optic nerve and vision.
It is responsible for transmitting impulses from the eye to the brain.
The thinning of the optic nerve is also referred to as optic atrophy.
The thinning is caused by the death of the retinal ganglion cell axons for various reasons.
It is because of the conditions such as lack of nutrients, poor blood circulation, and pollutants.
This can lead to vision problems such as blurry vision and light sensitivity, including blindness.
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3 million Americans suffer from Glaucoma due to optic nerve damage.
This article shows the types, symptoms, causes, and treatment of Optic nerve thinning. Continue reading to learn more about the condition.Â
Symptoms of Optic Nerve Thinning
The symptoms of optic thinning relate to a change in vision, specifically:
- Blurred vision
- Difficulties with side vision
- Problems with color vision
- A reduction in sharpness of vision
Causes
Most commonly, the cause of optic nerve thinning is still unknown.
Causes of optic atrophy range from an eye injury or trauma to eye conditions and diseases.
Some causes of optic nerve damage that lead to thinning include:
Glaucoma
It is also one of the significant causes of permanent blindness.
When Retinol Ganglion Cells (RGCs) die and they lose axons.
It can also make the optic nerve thinner and cause the failure of neurons in parts of the brain that process vision.
Toxic optic neuropathy
Optic Nerve thinning can result from some toxins that damage the optic nerve, causing slow or sudden vision loss.
Other toxins that can damage the optic nerve are Ethylene glycol (antifreeze), Lead, Cyanide, and Carbon monoxide.
Some drugs, including Topiramate (Topamax) and Ethambutol, are optic nerve toxins. They can cause narrow-angle Glaucoma.
Optic neuritis
It occurs when the optic nerve swells due to autoimmune disorders or fungal, viral, and bacterial infections.
Optic Neuritis can also happen due to allergies, diabetes, parasitic diseases, or poor blood circulation.
The eye pain is worse when you move your eyes.
When the myelin covering is ruptured by swelling, the optic nerve swells further and is damaged over time.
Lack of nutrition
Vitamins, including B12, proteins, and folic acid deficiency, may cause optic nerve thinning.
Vitamin B12 deficiencies are caused due to poor nutrition, starvation, or drinking alcohol.
Other medical conditions
Optic nerve thinning (optic atrophy) can also result from a tumor or other injury pressing the optic nerve.
It can also originate from eye movement muscle enlargement, seen in people with Hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease).
Syphilis can also damage the optic nerve if left untreated. Brain tumors or strokes may cause optic nerve thinning.
Diagnosis
Some tests may help in the correct diagnosis of the eye condition.
If your ophthalmologist suspects you have Optic Thinning, they will examine your eyes with an ophthalmoscope.
The doctor will examine the optic disc at the back of the eye and where the optic nerve enters.
The optic disc will look pale in optic nerve thinning due to a change in blood flow. Color vision or contrast sensitivity can also be tested.
Your doctor can ask about your family history to rule out genetic conditions.
They may also suggest blood and urine tests if they suspect toxics or vitamin deficiencies.
Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may show a tumor or other structure putting pressure on the optic nerve.
Your doctor may recommend Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) or a visual field test.
Optic Atrophy Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no appropriate treatment for optic nerve thinning.
But, by treating the underlying cause, you can prevent nerve thinning and vision loss.
Recent gene therapy trials for Leber’s thinning have been successful.
In the future, gene therapy may promise to treat other types of optic nerve damage.
However, the objective is to stop further optic nerve damage if possible.
Reducing fluid pressure around the brain and spinal cord is a possible strategy for preventing vision loss.
Once optic nerve fibers are lost, they never regenerate or heal.
If the cause can be identified and appropriately managed, it is possible to reduce or prevent further damage.
Prevention
Good nutrition and lifestyle changes are essential for maintaining healthy optic nerves.
You can do some things to prevent this condition. Some of them are:
- You can try including ginger, parsley, cabbage, and carrots. Eating beets, wheat grasses, and berries can also be helpful.
- Antioxidants can also help in preventing and treating optic nerve disorders.
- Gypenosides, a Chinese medicinal plant, might also help protect the optic nerve.
- Avoid smoking as it increases exposure to Hydrogen cyanide.
- You can also try some eye exercises to improve your eye health.
Conclusion
Optic nerve thinning (optic atrophy is not a disease. It is a symptom of severe underlying conditions such as Glaucoma or neuritis.
It can cause symptoms such as reduced sensitivity and blurry vision.
Glaucoma and other medical conditions, such as Syphilis and tumors, can cause thinning in your optic nerves.
Exposure to toxins and certain medicines can also result in optic nerve thinning.
If you experience any symptoms, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
You may need to undergo tests such as MRI and VER. In some cases, blood and urine test is also recommended.
There is no proven treatment for this eye condition. However, there are ways to reduce the discomfort caused by symptoms.
Depending on the severity, check with your doctor for the best possible treatment available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a thin optic nerve be normal?
The damage caused to an optic nerve is irreversible. If the optic nerve gets damaged, it does not heal or regenerate again. You can try some other treatments to get relief from symptoms.
What does thinning of the optic nerve mean?
Optic nerve thinning means the death of retinal ganglion cells (RGC). This can lead to further vision loss and permanent blindness in some cases. RGC death is mainly due to increased intraocular pressure.
Does the optic nerve thin with age?
Yes, as we age, the optic nerve might thin. A collection of nerve fibers called the optic nerve carries visual data from the eye to the brain. These nerve fibers may gradually degenerate and shrink as we age, impairing visual function.
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