Re: ischemic optic neuropathy

Posted By caroline on July 17, 1999 at 00:21:25
I went to the doctor because i had a pain in my eye. He said i had a little nick on my eye, and patched the eye for 24 hours.
Then i put an antibiotic in the eye for 3 days. It did not get better. I saw an eye specialist, she sent me to a optical neurologist. He said I had ion because of drusen. My optic nerve was swollen and showed infection. Now the optic nerve is not swollen. I have now lost vision in part of my right eye, probably about 30% of it. The o.neuro. said that the nerve would regenerate in about 6-8 months. The eye specialist disagrees.
I am 38 years old. Have you ever heard of the optic nerve regenerating so that full vision is restored?
Thank you so much

[HFHS MD JL]

Posted By HFHS MD-JL on July 17, 1999 at 18:01:55
Ischemic optic neuropathy is usually a disease of patients over 60.  It is due to lack of blood flow to the optic nerve.  The vision may or may not improve.  Optic neuritis is another condition that causes a swollen optic nerve and this is usually treated with steroids and the vision impoves.  The above mentioned condition is not responsive to treatment unless it is caused by a condition called giant cell arteritis and this is treated by steroids.  Infection may cause swelling of the optic nerve.  A few blood tests are usually performed to rule this out.  The neuro-ophthalmologist is the right specialist for you to see.  Good luck.  You can discuss these conditions with your doctor.
This information was provided for educational purposes only.
HFHS MD-JL










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