In children, optic atrophy can already be present at birth or develop during the first years of life.<\/p>\n
Symptoms<\/h2>\n
The complaints depend on which nerve fibres are affected:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Deterioration of visual acuity, from slight blurring through to blindness<\/li>\n
- Visual field defects, \"blind spots\" in the field of vision<\/li>\n
- Disturbed colour vision, colours appear paler<\/li>\n
- Reduced pupil reaction to light<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Where optic atrophy affects one eye only, reduced vision in children is often noticed late, because the healthy eye compensates.<\/p>
\n\n\nPale Optic Nerve: Clarify the Cause and Course<\/h3>\n
Optic atrophy is the result of other damage to the optic nerve, which is why finding the cause is the main focus. Dr. Stefan Langenegger (focus on neuro-ophthalmology) examines children and adults at our practice on Bahnhofplatz in Zurich, coordinates imaging and other specialists if needed and monitors the course.<\/p>\n
\n\nBook an appointment<\/a>\nAbout Dr. Stefan Langenegger<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>Diagnosis<\/h2>\n
The diagnosis is made through a thorough ophthalmological examination:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Examination of the back of the eye:<\/strong> the damaged optic nerve appears strikingly pale<\/li>\n
- Visual acuity and refraction testing<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Pupil reaction:<\/strong> testing for a relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD)<\/li>\n
- Visual field testing:<\/strong> to record any defects<\/li>\n
- Colour vision tests<\/strong><\/li>\n
- OCT (optical coherence tomography):<\/strong> measurement of the nerve fibre layer thickness around the optic nerve<\/li>\n
- MRI:<\/strong> where tumours, inflammation or other structural causes are suspected<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Treatment<\/h2>\n
Nerve fibres that have already died cannot be restored: reversal of the atrophy is not possible. Treatment therefore aims to:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Remove the cause:<\/strong> treating raised intracranial pressure, removing a tumour, treating inflammation<\/li>\n
- Prevent further damage:<\/strong> close monitoring and early intervention where causes are treatable<\/li>\n
- Make the most of remaining vision:<\/strong> suitable correction with glasses, magnifiers and other magnifying aids, tinted lenses for sensitivity to glare<\/li>\n
- Protect the healthy eye:<\/strong> where atrophy affects one eye, the healthy eye should be protected with safety glasses during sport and risky activities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Support for children<\/h2>\n
Children with marked optic atrophy benefit from:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Early intervention and specialised educational provision<\/li>\n
- Adapted learning materials (e.g. large print, electronic aids)<\/li>\n
- Reasonable adjustments at school<\/li>\n
- Regular ophthalmological care, in order to detect changes early and adapt the aids<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Even though optic atrophy itself cannot be cured, thorough care can help affected children make the best possible use of the vision they have and develop in step with their age.<\/p>\n\n\n\t
\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t![\"Dr.](\"https:\/\/www.first-sight.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/stefan-langenegger-avatar-100x100.jpg\")
\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tDr. Stefan Langenegger<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tTreating Ophthalmologist\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t
Optic atrophy describes damage to the optic nerve in which nerve fibres are lost irreversibly. The optic nerve is the “data cable” between the eye and the brain: it transmits visual information from the retina to the visual centres of the brain. If nerve fibres are lost, this can lead to a deterioration of central 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- Prevent further damage:<\/strong> close monitoring and early intervention where causes are treatable<\/li>\n
- Visual acuity and refraction testing<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Examination of the back of the eye:<\/strong> the damaged optic nerve appears strikingly pale<\/li>\n