CN2 - Optic nerve Flashcards
Definition
A condition in which the optic nerve is damaged or inflamed, leading to vision loss, pain, and other visual symptoms.
Aetiology/ causes
Glaucoma: a condition that damages the optic nerve due to increased pressure within the eye.
Papilledema: swelling of the optic nerve due to increased intracranial pressure, often caused by a brain tumor, abscess, or meningitis.
Optic neuritis: inflammation of the optic nerve, often caused by an autoimmune disorder such as multiple sclerosis.
Optic nerve atrophy: degeneration of the optic nerve, which can result from a variety of conditions including trauma, infection, or vascular diseases.
Hypertension: high blood pressure can
cause damage to the blood vessels that
supply the optic nerve, leading to optic
nerve atrophy.
Optic nerve neuropathy: damage to the optic nerve that can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma, toxins, and systemic diseases such as diabetes.
Vitamin B12 deficiency: a lack of this
essential vitamin can cause damage to the
myelin sheath that covers the optic nerve,
leading to optic neuropathy.
Macular degeneration: a condition that affects the central part of the retina, which can eventually lead to damage to the optic nerve.
Risk factors
A history of autoimmune disorders
Viral infections
Certain medications.
Epidemiology/ Population affected
Optic nerve palsy can affect people of any age, but it is more common in adults between the ages of 20 and 45.
It affects both men and women equally.
Clinical presentation
Vision loss
Blurred vision
Pain in the eye or behind the eye
Decrease in colour vision.
In some cases, optic nerve palsy may cause other neurological symptoms, such as headache, dizziness, and weakness.
Prognosis
The prognosis for optic nerve palsy depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. In some cases, vision may improve on its own or with treatment, while in other cases, vision loss may be permanent.
