Optic nerve atrophy is a medical condition. Causes, symptoms and treatment of optic nerve atrophy. How is optic atrophy treated?

This condition– final stage of damage optic nerve. This is not a disease, but rather a sign of a more serious disease. Possible causes include direct trauma, pressure on the optic nerve or toxic damage, deficiency nutrients.

Causes of optic nerve atrophy

The optic nerve is made up of nerve fibers that transmit impulses from the eye to the brain. It contains approximately 1.2 million axons that originate in retinal cells. These axons have a thick myelin sheath and cannot regenerate after injury.

If fibers in any part of the optic nerve degenerate, its ability to transmit signals to the brain is impaired.

Regarding the causes of ASD, Scientific research found that:

Approximately 2/3 of cases were bilateral.
Most common cause bilateral ADN are intracranial neoplasms.
The most common cause of unilateral damage is traumatic brain injury.
Vascular factors are a common cause of AD after the age of 40 years.

In children, causes of ADN include congenital, inflammatory, infectious, traumatic and vascular factors, including perinatal strokes, volumetric formations and hypoxic encephalopathy.

Let's look at the most common causes of ASD:

Primary diseases affecting the optic nerve: chronic glaucoma, retrobulbar neuritis, traumatic optic neuropathy, formations compressing the optic nerve (for example, tumors, aneurysms).
Primary retinal diseases, such as central artery occlusion or central vein retina.
Secondary diseases of the optic nerve: ischemic optic neuropathy, chronic neuritis or papilledema.

Less common causes of ASD:

Hereditary optic neuropathy (eg, Leber optic neuropathy).
Toxic neuropathy, which may be caused by exposure to methanol, certain medicines(disulfiram, ethambutol, isoniazid, chloramphenicol, vincristine, cyclosporine and cimetidine), alcohol abuse and tobacco products, metabolic disorders(eg, severe renal failure).
Retinal degeneration (eg, retinitis pigmentosa).
Retinal storage diseases (eg, Tay-Sachs disease)
Radiation neuropathy.
Syphilis.

Classification of optic nerve atrophy

There are several classifications of ADS.

By pathological classification There are ascending (anterograde) and descending (retrograde) optic atrophy.

The ascending ADS looks like this:

In diseases with anterograde degeneration (for example, toxic retinopathy, chronic glaucoma), the atrophy process begins in the retina and spreads towards the brain.
The rate of degeneration is determined by the thickness of the axons. Larger axons decay faster than smaller ones.

Descending optic atrophy is characterized by the fact that the atrophy process begins in the proximal part of the axon and spreads towards the optic nerve head.

According to ophthalmoscopic classification there are:

Primary ADS. In diseases with primary atrophy (for example, tumor of the pituitary gland, optic nerve, traumatic neuropathy, multiple sclerosis), degeneration of optic nerve fibers leads to their replacement by columns of glial cells. On ophthalmoscopy, the optic disc has White color and clear edges, and the retinal blood vessels are normal.
Secondary ADS. In diseases with secondary atrophy (eg, papilledema or inflammation of the optic disc), degeneration of nerve fibers is secondary to papilledema. On ophthalmoscopy, the optic disc has a gray or dirty gray color, its edges are unclear; retinal blood vessels may be altered.
Sequential ADS. With this form of atrophy (for example, with retinitis pigmentosa, myopia, occlusion of the central retinal artery), the disc has a waxy pale color with clear edges.
Glaucomatous atrophy is characterized by a cup-shaped optic disc.
Temporary optic disc pallor can occur with traumatic neuropathy or nutritional deficiencies, and is most common in patients with multiple sclerosis. The disc is pale in color with clear edges and normal vessels.

According to the degree of damage to nerve fibers, they are distinguished:

Partial atrophy of the optic nerve - the process of degeneration affects not all fibers, but a certain part of them. This form of optic nerve subatrophy is characterized by incomplete loss of vision.
Complete atrophy of the optic nerve - the degeneration process affects all nerve fibers, leading to blindness.

Symptoms of optic atrophy

The main symptom of optic atrophy is blurred vision. The clinical picture depends on the cause and severity of the pathology. For example, with partial atrophy of the optic nerves of both eyes, bilateral symptoms of visual impairment are observed without it. total loss, manifesting itself first as a loss of clarity and impaired color perception. When the optic nerves are compressed by the tumor, the visual field may decrease. If partial optic atrophy is left untreated, visual impairment often progresses to complete loss.

Depending on the etiological factors, patients with ADN may also exhibit other signs that are not directly related to this pathology. For example, with glaucoma, a person may suffer from eye pain.

Characterizing the clinical picture of ADN is important in determining the cause of neuropathy. Rapid onset is characteristic of neuritis, ischemic, inflammatory and traumatic neuropathy. Gradual progression over several months is characteristic of toxic neuropathy and atrophy due to nutritional deficiencies. The pathological process develops even more slowly (over several years) with compressive and hereditary ADN.

If the patient young complains of pain in the eyes associated with their movement, the presence neurological symptoms(eg, paresthesia, ataxia, limb weakness), this may indicate the presence of demyelinating diseases.

In older adults with signs of ADN, the presence of temporary vision loss, double vision (diplopia), fatigue, weight loss, and muscle pain may suggest ischemic neuropathy due to giant cell arteritis.

In children, the presence of flu-like symptoms in the recent past or recent vaccination indicates parainfectious or post-vaccination optic neuritis.

Diplopia and facial pain suggest multiple neuropathy of the cranial nerves, observed with inflammatory or neoplastic lesions of the posterior orbit and the anatomical area around the sella turcica.

Short-term blurred vision, diplopia and headaches indicate the possibility of increased intracranial pressure.

Diagnosis of optic nerve atrophy

Described clinical picture can be observed not only with ADN, but also with other diseases. To establish the correct diagnosis, if vision problems occur, you need to consult an ophthalmologist. He will hold comprehensive examination eye, including ophthalmoscopy, with which you can study the optic nerve head. With atrophy, this disc has a pale color, which is associated with a change in blood flow in its vessels.

To confirm the diagnosis, you can perform optical coherence tomography, an examination of the eyeball that uses infrared light waves for visualization. The ophthalmologist also evaluates color vision, the reaction of the pupils to light, determines the acuity and impairment of visual fields, and measures intraocular pressure.

It is very important to determine reason for ADS. For this purpose, the patient may undergo computer or magnetic resonance imaging of the orbits and brain, laboratory examination for the presence of genetic abnormalities or diagnosis of toxic neuropathy.

How to treat optic nerve atrophy?

How to treat optic nerve atrophy? The importance of vision for a person cannot be overestimated. Therefore, if you have any symptoms of optic nerve atrophy, you should under no circumstances resort to treatment with folk remedies on your own; you should immediately contact a qualified ophthalmologist.

It is necessary to begin treatment at the stage of partial atrophy of the optic nerve, which allows many patients to retain some vision and reduce the degree of disability. Unfortunately, with complete degeneration of nerve fibers, it is almost impossible to restore vision.

The choice of treatment depends on the cause of the disorder, for example:

Treatment of descending optic atrophy caused by an intracranial tumor or hydrocephalus is aimed at eliminating compression of the nerve fibers by the tumor.
In case of inflammatory diseases of the optic nerve (neuritis) or ischemic neuropathy, it is used intravenous administration corticosteroids.
For toxic neuropathy, antidotes are prescribed to those substances that caused damage to the optic nerves. If atrophy is caused by drugs, their use is stopped or the dose is adjusted.
Neuropathy due to nutritional deficiencies is treated by adjusting the diet and prescribing multivitamins that contain essential nutrients. good vision microelements.
With glaucoma it is possible conservative treatment, aimed at reducing intraocular pressure, or performing surgery.

In addition, there are methods of physiotherapeutic, magnetic, laser and electrical stimulation of the optic nerve, which are aimed at preserving the functions of the nerve fibers as much as possible.

There are also scientific works, which showed the effectiveness of treating ADN using the introduction of stem cells. Using this still experimental technique, it is possible to partially restore vision.

Prognosis for ADN

The optic nerve is part of the central, not peripheral nervous system, which makes it impossible to regenerate after damage. Thus, ADN is irreversible. Treatment of this pathology is aimed at slowing down and limiting the progression of the degeneration process. Therefore, every patient with optic atrophy should remember that the only place where this pathology can be cured or its development stopped are ophthalmology departments in medical institutions.

The prognosis for vision and life with AD depends on the cause of it and the degree of damage to the nerve fibers. For example, with neuritis after subsiding inflammatory process vision may improve.

Prevention

In some cases, the development and progression of ADN can be prevented by correct treatment glaucoma, toxic, alcohol and tobacco neuropathy, following a complete and nutrient-rich diet.

Optic nerve atrophy is a consequence of degeneration of its fibers. It can be caused by many diseases, from glaucoma and blood supply disorders (ischemic neuropathy) to inflammatory processes (for example, multiple sclerosis) and formations that compress the nerve (for example, intracranial tumors). Effective treatment possible only at the stage of partial atrophy of the optic nerve. The choice of treatment method depends on etiological factors. In this regard, it is necessary to establish the correct diagnosis in time and direct all efforts to preserve vision.

Useful video about optic atrophy

No one in the world treats optic nerve atrophy.
And we treat.

SYMPTOMS OF THE DISEASE
1. decreased peripheral and central vision
2. the patient constantly sees “ dark spot in front of the eye,” or does not see half of the field of vision.
3. difficulties in reading and other visual work,
4. violation of orientation in space
5. decreased color perception.

HOW WE TREAT
Currently, atrophy (link to what atrophy is) of the optic nerve is treated with vasodilators, vitamin therapy, biostimulants, magnetic stimulation, and reflexology.
We do not use these drugs. We believe that most optic atrophies (with the exception of hereditary forms associated with glaucoma, tumor) are a consequence of the inflammatory process. Often, when examining the fundus, an ophthalmologist sees a pale disc. Inflammation of the optic nerve can be observed in the upper segments of the optic nerve. And we can treat any inflammatory process using the HAT treatment system.

In the absence of neurological pathology, we conduct a trial treatment with Dexamethasone. If after 4 day treatment If there is at least a small effect, detectable both clinically and subjectively, then we can begin NAT treatment.
With this system we are achieving fantastic results in treatment. We are able to not only stop the disease, but also visual acuity and field of view significantly improve. If the patient contacts us in a timely manner, visual acuity can reach 100%.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM TREATMENT
At correct execution In all conditions, significant improvement in vision occurs immediately 8 days after the start of treatment with HAT medicine.
Depending on the various factors, such as timely treatment, the nature of the process, the degree of improvement in visual acuity varies, from 10% to 100%. But most importantly, our treatment prevents further progression of the condition.
Stable dynamics and further improvement in vision occurs over the next 6 months.
It should be noted that this effect when using this method is observed only if the optic nerve atrophy is of an inflammatory or traumatic nature.
If, due to the fault of the patient, there is a violation of the regime (we often observed this), then recovery does not occur. You just have to start all over again. Additional fee We don't charge for this.

ATTENTION!!! YOU SHOULD KNOW THIS
We do not treat optic atrophy several times a year. We tell patients that if they experience deterioration in their vision, they should immediately contact us. If this really happens, we may repeat the treatment.From our extensive practice of treating optic atrophy, it should be noted that relapses are rare, but they are possible. This is often associated with a history of influenza or other viral infection. “Spontaneous” relapses are rarely observed.Patients have been monitored since 1999.

A rapid decrease in vision may indicate various eye diseases. But rarely does anyone think that it can be caused by such dangerous disease as optic nerve atrophy. The optic nerve is an important component in the perception of light information. Therefore, it is worth taking a closer look at this disease so that it is possible to identify the symptoms in the early stages.

What it is?

The optic nerve is a nerve fiber responsible for processing and transmitting light information. The main function of the optic nerve is to deliver nerve impulses to the brain area.

The optic nerve is attached to retinal ganglion neurocytes, which make up the optic disc. Light rays, converted into a nerve impulse, are transmitted along the optic nerve from the retinal cells to the chiasma (the segment where the optic nerves of both eyes intersect).

Where is the optic nerve located?

Its integrity ensures high. However, even the smallest injuries to the optic nerve can lead to severe consequences. The most common disease of the optic nerve is its atrophy.

Optic atrophy is an eye disease in which the optic nerve deteriorates, resulting in decreased vision. With this disease, the fibers of the optic nerve completely or partially die and are replaced connective tissue. As a result, light rays falling on the retina of the eye are converted into an electrical signal with distortions, which narrows the field of view and reduces its quality.

Depending on the degree of damage, optic nerve atrophy can be partial or complete. Partial atrophy The optic nerve differs from the complete one in that it has a less pronounced manifestation of the disease and preserves vision at a certain level.

Vision correction traditional methods ( , contact lenses) are absolutely ineffective for this disease, since they are aimed at correcting the refraction of the eye and have nothing to do with the optic nerve.

Causes

Optic nerve atrophy is not an independent disease, but is a consequence of some pathological process in the patient’s body.

Optic atrophy

The main causes of the disease include:

Eye diseases (diseases of the retina, eyeball, eye structures).
Pathologies of the central nervous system (brain damage due to syphilis, brain abscess, skull injury, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, encephalitis, meningitis, arachnoiditis).
Diseases cardiovascular systems s (cerebral atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension, vasospasm).
Long-term toxic effects of alcohol, nicotine and drugs. Alcohol poisoning methyl alcohol.
Hereditary factor.

Optic nerve atrophy can be congenital or acquired.

Congenital optic atrophy occurs as a result of genetic diseases(in most cases of Leber's disease). In this case, the patient has low quality of vision from birth.

Acquired optic atrophy appears as a result of certain diseases in older age.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of partial visual atrophy may be:

Deterioration in the quality of vision and the inability to correct it with traditional correction methods.
Pain when moving eyeballs.
Change in color perception.
Narrowing of visual fields (up to the appearance tunnel syndrome, in which the ability to peripherally view is completely lost).
The appearance of blind spots in the field of vision (scotomas).

Methods laser correction view can be seen in .

Stages of optic nerve atrophy

Diagnostics

Typically, diagnosing this disease does not cause any particular difficulties. As a rule, the patient notices a significant decrease in vision and consults an ophthalmologist, who makes the correct diagnosis. Great importance has the identification of the cause of the disease.

To identify optic nerve atrophy in a patient, a complex diagnostic methods:

(visual acuity test).
Spheroperimetry (determination of visual fields).
Ophthalmoscopy (detection of pallor of the optic nerve head and narrowing of the fundus vessels).
Tonometry (measurement of intraocular pressure).
Video-ophthalmography (study of the optic nerve relief).
(examination of areas of the affected nerve).
Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (a study of the brain to detect possible reasons, causing optic nerve atrophy).

Read what computer perimetry determines in ophthalmology.

Except ophthalmological examination the patient may be prescribed an examination by a neurologist or neurosurgeon. This is necessary because the symptoms of optic nerve atrophy may be symptoms of an incipient intracranial pathological process.

Treatment

Treatment of optic nerve atrophy is quite complex. Destroyed nerve fibers cannot be restored, so first of all it is necessary to stop the process of changes in the tissues of the optic nerve. Since the nerve tissue of the optic nerve cannot be restored, visual acuity cannot be raised to the previous level. However, the disease must be treated to avoid its progression and blindness. The prognosis of the disease depends on the timing of the start of treatment, so it is advisable to immediately consult an ophthalmologist when the first symptoms of the disease are detected.

The difference between partial optic nerve atrophy and complete one is that this form of the disease is treatable and it is still possible to restore vision. The main goal in the treatment of partial optic nerve atrophy is to stop the destruction of optic nerve tissue.

The main efforts should be aimed at eliminating. Treatment of the underlying disease will stop the destruction of optic nerve tissue and restore visual function.

During the treatment of the underlying disease that caused optic nerve atrophy, complex therapy. Additionally, during treatment, medications can be used to improve blood supply and nutrition to the optic nerve, improve metabolism, eliminate swelling and inflammation. It would be a good idea to take multivitamins and biostimulants.

As main medicines use:

Vasodilators. These drugs improve blood circulation and trophism in the tissues of the optic nerve. Among the drugs in this group one can highlight complamin, papaverine, dibazol, no-shpu, halidor, aminophylline, trental, sermion.
Drugs that stimulate the restoration of altered tissues of the optic nerve and improve metabolic processes in it. These include biogenic stimulants (peat, aloe extract), amino acids ( glutamic acid), vitamins and immunostimulants (eleuthorococcus, ginseng).
Drugs that resolve pathological processes and metabolic stimulants (phosphaden, pyrogenal, preductal).

It is necessary to understand that drug therapy does not treat optic nerve atrophy, but only helps to improve the condition of the nerve fibers. To cure optic nerve atrophy, it is necessary to first cure the underlying disease.

Physiotherapeutic procedures, which are used in combination with other treatment methods, are also important. Also, methods of magnetic, laser and electrical stimulation of the optic nerve are effective. They contribute to improvement functional state optic nerve and visual functions.

As additional treatment The following procedures apply:

Magnetic stimulation. During this procedure, the optic nerve is exposed to a special device that creates an alternating magnetic field. Magnetic stimulation helps improve blood supply, saturate the tissues of the optic nerve with oxygen, and activate metabolic processes.
Electrical stimulation. This procedure is carried out using a special electrode, which is inserted behind the eyeball to the optic nerve and electrical impulses are applied to it.
Laser stimulation. The essence of this method is non-invasive stimulation of the optic nerve through the cornea or pupil using a special emitter.
Ultrasound therapy. This method effectively stimulates blood circulation and metabolic processes in the tissues of the optic nerve, improves the permeability of the blood-ophthalmic barrier and the sorption properties of eye tissues. If the cause of optic nerve atrophy is encephalitis or tuberculous meningitis, then the disease will be quite difficult to treat with ultrasound.
Electrophoresis. This procedure characterized by the effect of low-power direct current and drugs on the eye tissue. Electrophoresis promotes expansion blood vessels, improving cell metabolism and normalizing metabolism.
Oxygen therapy. This method consists of saturating the tissues of the optic nerve with oxygen, which helps improve metabolic processes in them.

During the treatment of optic nerve atrophy, it is imperative to maintain a high-quality diet rich in various vitamins and minerals. It is necessary to consume fresh vegetables and fruits, cereals, meat, and dairy products more often.

See what foods improve vision.

It is not recommended to treat the disease with folk remedies, since in this case they are ineffective. If you only hope for folk remedies, you can lose precious time when the quality of vision could still be preserved.

Complications

It must be remembered that optic nerve atrophy is a serious disease and should not be treated on its own. Incorrect self-treatment can lead to dire consequences - complications of the disease.

The most serious complication There may be complete loss of vision. Ignoring treatment leads to further development disease and a steady decrease in visual acuity, as a result of which the patient will no longer be able to lead his previous lifestyle. Very often, with optic nerve atrophy, the patient becomes disabled.

Prevention

To avoid the occurrence of optic nerve atrophy, it is necessary to treat diseases in a timely manner, consult an ophthalmologist in a timely manner if visual acuity decreases, and not expose the body to alcohol and drug intoxication. Only if you pay due attention to your health can you reduce the risk of disease.

Video

Optic nerve atrophy (optic neuropathy) is partial or complete destruction of the nerve fibers that transmit visual stimuli from the retina to the brain. During atrophy, the nervous tissue experiences an acute lack of nutrients, which is why it ceases to perform its functions. If the process continues long enough, the neurons begin to gradually die. Over time, it affects an increasing number of cells, and in severe cases- the entire nerve trunk. It will be almost impossible to restore eye function in such patients.

What is the optic nerve?

The optic nerve belongs to the cranial peripheral nerves, but essentially it is not peripheral nerve neither in origin, nor in structure, nor in function. This is white matter big brain, the pathways that connect and transmit visual sensations from the retina to the cerebral cortex.

The optic nerve delivers nerve messages to the area of the brain responsible for processing and perceiving light information. It is the most important part of the entire process of converting light information. Its first and most significant function is the delivery of visual messages from the retina to the areas of the brain responsible for vision. Even the smallest injuries to this area can have severe complications and consequences.

Optic atrophy according to the ICD has ICD code 10

Causes

The development of optic nerve atrophy is caused by various pathological processes in the optic nerve and retina (inflammation, dystrophy, edema, circulatory disorders, toxins, compression and damage to the optic nerve), diseases of the central nervous system, general diseases organism, hereditary causes.

Distinguish the following types diseases:

Congenital atrophy - manifests itself at birth or a short period of time after the birth of the child.
Acquired atrophy is a consequence of adult diseases.

Factors leading to optic nerve atrophy may include eye diseases, central nervous system lesions, mechanical damage, intoxication, general, infectious, autoimmune diseases etc. Optic nerve atrophy appears as a result of obstruction of the central and peripheral retinal arteries that supply the optic nerve, and it is also the main symptom of glaucoma.

The main causes of atrophy are:

Heredity
Congenital pathology
Eye diseases ( vascular diseases retina, as well as the optic nerve, various neuritis, glaucoma, pigmentary dystrophy retina)
Intoxication (quinine, nicotine and other drugs)
Alcohol poisoning (more precisely, alcohol surrogates)
Viral infections (flu, flu)
Pathology of the central nervous system (brain abscess, syphilitic lesion, skull injury, multiple sclerosis, tumor, syphilitic lesion, skull trauma, encephalitis)
Atherosclerosis
Hypertonic disease
Profuse bleeding

The cause of primary descending atrophy is vascular disorders at:

hypertension;
atherosclerosis;
spinal pathologies.

Secondary atrophy is caused by:

acute poisoning (including alcohol substitutes, nicotine and quinine);
inflammation of the retina;
malignant neoplasms;
traumatic injury.

Optic nerve atrophy can be caused by inflammation or dystrophy of the optic nerve, its compression or trauma, leading to damage to the nerve tissue.

Types of disease

Atrophy of the optic nerve of the eye occurs:

Primary atrophy(ascending and descending), as a rule, develops as an independent disease. Descending optic atrophy is most often diagnosed. This type atrophy is a consequence of the fact that the nerve fibers themselves are affected. It is transmitted in a recessive manner by inheritance. This disease is linked exclusively to the X chromosome, which is why only men suffer from this pathology. It manifests itself at 15-25 years of age.
Secondary atrophy usually develops after the course of any disease, with the development of stagnation of the optic nerve or a violation of its blood supply. This disease develops in any person and at absolutely any age.

In addition, the classification of forms of optic nerve atrophy also includes the following variants of this pathology:

Partial optic atrophy

A characteristic feature of the partial form of optic nerve atrophy (or initial atrophy, as it is also defined) is incomplete preservation visual function(vision itself), which is important when visual acuity is reduced (due to which the use of lenses or glasses does not improve the quality of vision). Although residual vision can be preserved in this case, there are disturbances in color perception. Preserved areas within sight remain accessible.

Complete atrophy

Any self-diagnosis is excluded - only specialists with the proper equipment can make an accurate diagnosis. This is also due to the fact that the symptoms of atrophy have much in common with amblyopia and cataracts.

In addition, optic nerve atrophy can manifest itself in a stationary form (that is, in a complete form or a non-progressive form), which indicates a stable state of actual visual functions, as well as in the opposite, progressive form, in which a decrease in the quality of visual acuity inevitably occurs.

Symptoms of atrophy

The main sign of optic nerve atrophy is a decrease in visual acuity that cannot be corrected with glasses and lenses.

With progressive atrophy, a decrease in visual function develops over a period of several days to several months and can result in complete blindness.
In case of partial atrophy of the optic nerve pathological changes reach a certain point and do not develop further, and therefore vision is partially lost.

With partial atrophy, the process of vision deterioration stops at some stage, and vision stabilizes. Thus, it is possible to distinguish between progressive and complete atrophy.

Alarming symptoms that may indicate that optic nerve atrophy is developing are:

narrowing and disappearance of visual fields (lateral vision);
the appearance of “tunnel” vision associated with color sensitivity disorder;
the occurrence of scotomas;
manifestation of the afferent pupillary effect.

The manifestation of symptoms can be unilateral (in one eye) or multilateral (in both eyes at the same time).

Complications

The diagnosis of optic atrophy is very serious. At the slightest decrease in vision, you should immediately consult a doctor so as not to miss your chance of recovery. Without treatment and as the disease progresses, vision may disappear completely, and it will be impossible to restore it.

To prevent the occurrence of optic nerve pathologies, you must carefully monitor your health and undergo regular examination from specialists (rheumatologist, endocrinologist, neurologist, ophthalmologist). At the first signs of vision deterioration, you should consult an ophthalmologist.

Diagnostics

Optic nerve atrophy - quite serious illness. In case of even the slightest decrease in vision, it is necessary to visit an ophthalmologist so as not to miss precious time to treat the disease. Any self-diagnosis is excluded - only specialists with the proper equipment can make an accurate diagnosis. This is also due to the fact that the symptoms of atrophy have much in common with amblyopia and.

An examination by an ophthalmologist should include:

visual acuity test;
examination through the pupil (diluted with special drops) of the entire fundus of the eye;
spheroperimetry (precise determination of the boundaries of the field of view);
laser dopplerography;
assessment of color perception;
craniography with an image of the sella turcica;
computer perimetry (allows you to identify which part of the nerve is damaged);
video-ophthalmography (allows us to identify the nature of damage to the optic nerve);
computed tomography, as well as magnetic nuclear resonance (clarifies the cause of optic nerve disease).

Also, a certain information content is achieved to compile a general picture of the disease by conducting laboratory methods studies such as blood tests (general and biochemical), testing for or for syphilis.

Treatment of optic nerve atrophy of the eye

Treatment of optic atrophy is a very difficult task for doctors. You need to know that destroyed nerve fibers cannot be restored. One can hope for some effect from treatment only by restoring the functioning of nerve fibers that are in the process of destruction, which still retain their vital activity. If this moment is missed, then vision in the affected eye can be lost forever.

When treating optic nerve atrophy, the following actions are performed:

Biogenic stimulants are prescribed ( vitreous, aloe extract, etc.), amino acids (glutamic acid), immunostimulants (Eleutherococcus), vitamins (B1, B2, B6, ascorutin) are prescribed to stimulate the restoration of altered tissue, as well as to improve metabolic processes
Vasodilators are prescribed (no-spa, diabazole, papaverine, sermion, trental, zufillin) to improve blood circulation in the vessels supplying the nerve
To maintain the functioning of the central nervous system, Fezam, Emoxipin, Nootropil, Cavinton are prescribed
To speed up resorption pathological processes- pyrogenal, preductal
Appointed hormonal drugs to relieve the inflammatory process - dexamethasone, prednisolone.

Medicines are taken only as prescribed by a doctor and after establishing accurate diagnosis. Only a specialist can choose optimal treatment taking into account concomitant diseases.

Patients who have completely lost their vision or have lost it to a significant extent are prescribed an appropriate course of rehabilitation. It is aimed at compensating and, if possible, eliminating all the restrictions that arise in life after suffering optic nerve atrophy.

Basic physiotherapeutic methods of therapy:

color stimulation;
light stimulation;
electrical stimulation;
magnetic stimulation.

To achieve a better result, magnetic and laser stimulation of the optic nerve, ultrasound, electrophoresis, and oxygen therapy can be prescribed.

The earlier treatment is started, the more favorable the prognosis of the disease. Nervous tissue is practically irreparable, so the disease cannot be neglected; it must be treated in a timely manner.

In some cases, with optic nerve atrophy, surgery and surgical intervention may also be relevant. According to research results, optic fibers are not always dead, some may be in a parabiotic state and can be returned to life with the help of a professional with extensive experience.

The prognosis for optic nerve atrophy is always serious. In some cases, you can expect to preserve your vision. If atrophy develops, the prognosis is unfavorable. Treatment of patients with optic atrophy, whose visual acuity has been less than 0.01 for several years, is ineffective.

Prevention

Optic atrophy is a serious disease. To prevent it, you need to follow some rules:

Consultation with a specialist if there is the slightest doubt about the patient’s visual acuity;
Warning various types intoxication
promptly treat infectious diseases;
do not abuse alcohol;
monitor blood pressure;
prevent eye and traumatic brain injuries;
repeated blood transfusion for profuse bleeding.

Timely diagnosis and treatment can restore vision in some cases, and slow or stop the progression of atrophy in others.