Optic Neuropathy Recovery

Optic neuropathy is an eye condition in which the optic nerve is abnormal or damaged. This is caused by blocked blood flow. A test by your eye doctor will determine if you have optic neuropathy and the path to treating it.

Time Frame

• Treatment is important because of the rapidity of the condition. Vision loss can occur over a matter of minutes, hours or days.

Identification

• An eye doctor will look into the backs of your eyes with an ophthalmoscope. This allows him or her to determine the cause of the optic neuropathy.

A Common Cause

• A common cause of optic neuropathy that the doctor will look for is temporal arteritis. Arteries are blocked, and there isn't sufficient blood flow to the optic nerve.

Testing

• An MRI or CT scan of the brain will be performed if temporal arteritis is not the cause. These tests will show if a tumor is compressing the optic nerve and causing the optic neuropathy.

Treatment

• Treatment for blood pressure and other factors controlling blood flow is usually an effective way to cure optic neuropathy. Corticosteroids are given when the patient has temporal arteritis to prevent vision loss. In 40 percent of cases, the condition goes away on its own.