Optic nerve damage leads to partial or complete loss of vision, which is usually irreversible. However, recognizing early symptoms of the damage may help prevent vision loss. This story provides information on the causes and symptoms of damaged optic nerve.
Optic nerve, also known as cranial nerve, is a part of the central nervous system. It carries visual information from the retina to the brain. Optic nerves are present in the optic discs behind the eyes. A viral or bacterial infection can lead to pain behind the eye, which usually indicates inflammation of optic nerve. The condition wherein the optic nerve is inflamed is called 'optic neuritis'; which if not treated promptly, can lead to loss of vision.
Causes
The optic nerve gets damaged due to some inherited diseases, eye problems like glaucoma, development of tumors, inflammation, and severe bacterial and viral infections.
Multiple sclerosis can also affect the function of the nerves. Inflammation of the spinal cord and optic nerve, known as neuromyelitis optica. is an autoimmune disorder, which can affect the function of the nerves.
Inflamed arteries in the skull, cat scratch fever, tuberculosis, bee stings, lupus, lyme disease, hepatitis B, herpes, and swelling of the optic disc (papilla) due to an increase in intracranial pressure may also cause this condition.
Other common diseases like diabetes, pernicious anemia and hyperthyroidism, direct trauma to the optic nerve, nutritional deficiencies, and exposure to toxins like lead, methyl alcohol, quinine, and arsenic may also result in damaged optic nerve.
Excessive consumption of alcohol or tobacco, blocked or limited blood flow to the eyes, meningitis, sinusitis, or encephalitis may destroy the protective nerve coverings and affect the nerve function. Recognizing the symptoms of optic nerve damage at an early stage, and contacting an eye specialist will help prevent total blindness.
Symptoms
Eyeball pain
Blurred vision
Eye pain that is worsened by eye movement
Abnormal side vision because of limited mobility of the pupil
Distorted vision
Loss of contrasts, things may appear brighter in one eye than in the other
Reduced color vision
Failure in interpreting the surroundings
Dizziness
Severity of loss of vision may vary from patient to patient. It may also vary according to the part of the nerve which is damaged, and how much it is damaged. Some may experience blurring while some may experience complete blindness.
In case of optic neuritis, vision loss is usually temporary, however, it may be permanent in some cases. Gradual loss of peripheral vision may also be observed in some cases. Some may experience loss of vision within a day or a week.
The severity of the damage, in case of optical neuritis, may be increased by heat or exercise. Mostly, patients diagnosed with optical nerve damage experience permanent vision loss. Reversing the damage or vision correction is very difficult.
Treatment
In case of optical nerve damage, no visible changes around the eyes are usually noticed, but in some patients, swelling or enlargement of the blood vessels around the nerve may be seen. If any of the aforementioned symptoms are noticed, one should immediately contact an ophthalmologist.
It is a fact that cells that form the optic nerve are unable to regenerate, or they cannot repair themselves. Therefore, optic nerve damage from glaucoma and other diseases or trauma is irreversible. The damage often results in permanent loss of vision.
Studies regarding 'neural stem cell therapy' show that certain therapy can prove to be beneficial for the restoration of sight after optic nerve injury, in the future.
Eyes are sensitive organs, and loss of vision can make your life miserable. Therefore, proper eye care is essential to prevent eye infections and eye disorders. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of eye problems help prevent damage to the optic nerve. Hence, for any type of eye problem, you should immediately contact an ophthalmologist.