Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Optic nerve atrophy

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Optic atrophy; Optic neuropathy


Symptoms

Optic nerve atrophy causes vision to dim and reduces the field of vision. The ability to see fine detail will also be lost. Colors will seem faded. The pupil reaction to light will diminish and may eventually be lost.


Signs and tests

Optic nerve atrophy can be seen during a complete examination of the eyes. The examination will include tests of:

  • Color loss
  • Pupil light reflex
  • Tonometry
  • Visual acuity

You may need a complete physical examination and specific tests.


Review Date: 07/28/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)