The Causes of Nerve Damage to the Eyes

There are an unlimited number of potential causes of nerve damage to the eyes--from disease to injury. However, some diseases, conditions and accidents are particularly associated with eye nerve damage. Because of the wide range of causes associated with nerve damage to the eyes and the potential for severe underlying conditions, professional advice should always be sought for diagnosis and treatment.

Glaucoma

• Glaucoma may cause nerve damage to the eye. Both closed angle and open angle glaucoma causes nerve damage. The optic nerve damage occurs from extremely high pressure within the eye.

Methanol Poisoning

• Methanol poisoning may cause nerve damage, vision problems, and even blindness. Methanol occurs in many different chemicals and products used around the home. If the chemical is ingested or splattered in the eyes, eye nerve damage may occur.

Orbital Lymphangioma

• An orbital lymphangioma is a tumor that grows from the eye's lymph vessels. If the tumor is not detected and treated early enough, as it grows in size, it can affect nerves within the eye. As the tumor grows larger, it puts increasing pressure on the eye and nerve damage may occur.

Papilloedema

• A papilloedema, or an optic disc oedema (swelling of the optic disk), that is not treated properly may result in complications including eye nerve damage, vision problems and even loss of vision. Many things may cause papilloedema, from tumors to hypertension.

Pituitary Cancer

• Most tumors that grow in the pituitary gland are not cancerous; however, some are. Those that are cancerous and faster growing tumors may put pressure on the nerves around the eye as it grows. The pressure can damage the eye nerves and cause vision problems and, potentially, blindness.