Optic neuropathy is a frequent cause of vision loss encountered by ophthalmologist. The diagnosis is made on clinical grounds. The history often points to the possible etiology of the optic neuropathy. A rapid onset is typical of demyelinating, inflammatory, ischemic and traumatic causes.

Optic neuritis usually improves on its own. In some cases, steroid medications are used to reduce inflammation in the optic nerve. Possible side effects from steroid treatment include weight gain, mood changes, facial flushing, stomach upset and insomnia. Steroid treatment is usually given by vein (intravenously).

Symptoms

• Pain. Most people who develop optic neuritis have eye pain that's worsened by eye movement.
• Vision loss in one eye. Most people have at least some temporary reduction in vision, but the extent of loss varies.
• Visual field loss.
• Loss of color vision.
• Flashing lights.

Neuropathy Ophthalmology is a super specialty that merges the fields of neurology and ophthalmology. Neuro-ophthalmologists are responsible for the diagnosis and management of complex systemic diseases of the nervous system that affect vision, eye movements and alignment, as well as pupillary reflexes. Your eye doctor will usually suggest you visit an expert in Neuro-Ophthalmology after a comprehensive eye examination, in case you need special care. Often, the symptoms that prompt such a referral include those associated with optic nerve disease or diseases of the visual pathway (the nervous system component that connects the eyes to the brain). Other reasons could be the diseases affecting the pupils of the eye, and certain kinds of squint (especially paralytic).

Papilledema

Papilledema is characterized by the swelling of the optic nerve head (the part of the optic nerve which can directly be seen by your eye doctor during a retinal evaluation) due to increased pressure from inside the brain. It may be due to tumors, infections like meningitis, encephalitis, etc.

Toxic or Nutritional Optic Neuropathy

The optic nerve may be damaged due to toxic substances found in tobacco & alcohol. In fact, the optic nerve damage is often due to lack of nutrients and deficiency of vitamin B-complex and folic acid as well. These diseases also present as decreased vision.

Squint or Strabismus

A misalignment of the eye, especially when sudden in onset, and associated with double vision is often due to paralysis of one or more of the small muscles of the eye, and is called paralytic strabismus. The eye shows limitations of ocular movement as well.

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