The optic nerve consists of numerous fibers that are responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain centers where it is processed. In fact, the completeness of the observed picture depends on it, the sharpness and sharpness of what the person sees. The situation when these fibers begin to die or in them impassable areas are formed, was called atrophy of the optic nerve. This disease affects both people in their ages and young people.
What is atrophy of the optic nerve?
This pathology is a process of degeneration of the fibrous tissues of the optic nerve.
The disease is classified into primary - independent atrophy, and secondary, which arose on the background of the progression of other diseases.
In addition, the pathology can be complete or partial, one-sided and two-sided (one or both eyes are affected), and also progressive or stationary (whether the disease develops and how quickly).
Downward atrophy of the optic nerve - symptoms
The signs of degeneration vary depending on the existing form of the disease and the presence or absence of its progression.
Primary atrophy is characterized by the pallor of the optic nerve disc, the boundaries of which are clearly delineated. On the retina there is a marked narrowing of the arterial blood vessels. At the same time, the patient's vision gradually decreases, the perception of colors and shades worsens.
Secondary atrophy of the optic nerve differs from the above-described form in that the disc has no clear boundaries, they are blurred. At an early stage of the disease, the veins are dilated. Vision with this type of disease worsens much more seriously - there are so-called blind zones (hemianopic fallouts). Over time, a person can completely lose the ability to see.
Partial and complete atrophy of the optic nerve
As follows from the name of the classified types of pathology, these forms of the disease differ in the degree of nerve degeneration and, accordingly, perception of visual information. With partial damage to the fibers, vision is only disturbed, although quite significantly, and with absolute atrophy blindness occurs.
Atrophy of the optic nerve causes
It should be noted that the only factor leading to the development of the disease in its primary form is heredity.
Causes of secondary atrophy:
- diseases of the optic nerve (infection, toxic damage, trauma, circulatory disorders, fluid stagnation);
- glaucoma ;
- neuritis;
- retinal pathology;
- diseases of the brain, including tumors;
- diseases of blood vessels (hypertension, arrhythmia, atherosclerosis );
- viruses;
- encephalitis.
Atrophy of the optic nerve - is surgery necessary?
It is impossible to restore damaged fibers, thus, the treatment of this ailment is focused on preserving the available indicators of vision and stopping the progression of the disease.
Therapy, first of all, begins with the elimination of the cause of atrophy, if this is not a hereditary factor. After the traditional treatment regimen consisting of vasodilator drugs, tonic blood circulation
One of the newest methods for treating this pathology is the implantation of the electrostimulator directly into the orbit of the eye. Despite the high efficiency of this method, it requires large monetary investments, assumes a long rehabilitation period, and the implant itself only works for several years.