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Optic Nerve Atrophy
Alternate Names : Second Cranial Nerve Atrophy
DefinitionOptic nerve atrophy involves tissue death of the nerve that carries the information of vision from the eye to the brain.
Pictures & Images
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
There are many unrelated causes of optic atrophy. The most common cause is poor blood flow, called ischemic optic neuropathy, which most often affects the elderly. The optic nerve can also be damaged by shock, various toxic substances, radiation, and trauma.
Various eye diseases, glaucoma most commonly, can also cause optic nerve atrophy. In addition, the condition can be caused by diseases of the brain and central nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis, brain tumor, and stroke.
There are also several rare forms of hereditary optic nerve atrophy that affect children and young adults.
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Jump to another section
• Definition
• Optic Nerve Atrophy Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Optic Nerve Atrophy Symptoms & Signs
• Optic Nerve Atrophy Prevention
• Optic Nerve Atrophy Diagnosis & Tests
• Optic Nerve Atrophy Treatment
• Optic Nerve Atrophy Prognosis
• Optic Nerve Atrophy Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Primary Brain Tumor
• Stroke
Other Topics
• Physical Examination
Review Date : 11/5/2002
Reviewed By : Raymond S. Douglas M.D., Ph.D. Department of Ophthalmology, UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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