How to Diagnose Optic Neuropathy

Optic Neuropathy may be any condition that causes a loss of function in the optic nerve. The optic nerve is especially susceptible to compression in areas where it is surrounded by bone. The following steps will show how to diagnose compressive optic neuropathy.

Instructions

• 1

  Obtain the patient history. Compressive optic neuropathy is marked by a slow, progressive loss of vision accompanied by a puillary defect and frequently a central scotoma. The vision problems may be vague and noticed only during a routine eye examination or when one eye becomes blind.

• 2

  Gather any specific presenting complaints. Patients with compressive optic neuropathy may notice that objects have less color or brightness and a constriction of the visual field may be present. Observers may notice that the affected eye appears more protuberant.

• 3

  Perform an eye exam. Refraction testing will usually show that visual acuity is reduced and there may be a shift towards hyperopia. Detect loss of peripheral vision with a pinhole test, and the Ishihara test plate can test the color vision.

• 4

  Examine the pupils for defects. The patient will focus on a distant object in a dimly lit room. Shine a bright focused light in alternating eyes for about 3 seconds. The affected eye may dilate or show other abnormal responses.

• 5

  Run laboratory tests, if needed, to diagnose the cause of compressive optic neuropathy. Blood tests for thyroid functioning should be run if thyroid opthalmopathy is suspected and an elevated angiotensin-converting enzyme may indicate sarcoidosis.