Optic atrophy

Question 1

Describe the appearance of optic atrophy on fundoscopy

Answer 1

pale, well demarcated disc

Question 2

Optic atrophy is usually bilateral. TRUE or FALSE?

Answer 2

TRUE
- causes a gradual loss of vision

Question 3

Causes of optic atrophy are either congenital or acquired. Please give examples

Answer 3

Congenital
Friedreich’s ataxia
mitochondrial disorders
Wolfram’s syndrome

Acquired
MS
papilloedema
raised IOP (e.g. glaucoma, tumour)
retinal damage (e.g. choroiditis, retinitis pigmentosa)
ischaemia
toxins
nutritional deficiency

Question 4

What toxins may cause optic atrophy

Answer 4

tobacco amblyopia
quinine
methanol
arsenic
lead