This is an introduction to optic atrophy for teenagers. For more detailed guides aimed at other audiences, see our Eye condition info.
What is optic atrophy?
Your eyes collect information about the world around you. The optic nerve, at the back of the eye, carries images of what you see directly to your brain. Imagine the optic nerve as a cable of millions of tiny electrical wires, each carrying information. Your brain then processes this information and turns it into images, allowing you to see.
If the nerves become damaged, your brain will not get all the information it needs so your vision may become blurred. This is called optic atrophy. How much your vision is affected depends on how many nerve fibres are damaged. If only a small number are affected, you may still have good sight. If a large number are damaged, you may not be able to see as clearly or some parts of your vision may be missing.
What causes optic atrophy?
If you are born with optic atrophy, it may run in the family. It can also occur as a result of a lack of oxygen during pregnancy, labour or in early childhood. Optic atrophy can also be caused by other conditions. For example, glaucoma or a tumour can put pressure on the optic nerve when this happens the pressure can damage the optic nerve, and this can cause optic atrophy. Diabetes can also be a cause. However in most cases, the cause is unknown.
What are the effects of optic atrophy?
Optic atrophy can affect sight in a number of ways:
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Central vision (what you see straight ahead of you) may be affected. Because of this, you may find it hard to see detail, for example when reading or using a computer.
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Your peripheral vision may also be affected (peripheral vision is everything that you can see which you are not looking straight at). The result of this is called tunnel vision.
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You may also be more sensitive to light. For example, it may be difficult to see on a sunny day or if you are in a room with bright light.
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You may find it hard to distinguish colours.
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Sometimes people with optic atrophy also have a condition called nystagmus, which is movement of the eyes.
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A squint (where one eye is stronger than the other) may also develop.
How is optic atrophy treated?
How optic atrophy is treated will depend on the cause. If the cause is identified early and can be treated (for example, glaucoma), this can prevent further damage to the optic nerve. In many cases, though, optic atrophy can't be treated.
However, it's very rare for optic atrophy to get worse if it's not caused by an eye condition like glaucoma.
How can I be helped to use the vision I have?
You may need to wear glasses in order to see more clearly. In school, having textbooks provided in a larger print size or using a hand-held magnifier may make things easier to see.
Good lighting, such as a clear task lamp, may also help when reading. If you find bright light or sunlight uncomfortable, it's a good idea to wear sunglasses or tinted spectacles. When you're out and about, using a small telescope called a monocular can make things like shop or street signs easier to see.
You'll still be able to use a computer. You may need to use a larger screen or software that makes the print on screen bigger. You can also get equipment which turns the words on screen into speech.
Have you got optic atrophy?
If you have optic atrophy, we want to feature your story on this website. Email us at teenagers@rnib.org.uk.