Optic Atrophy

Question 1

How is optic atrophy seen on fundoscopy?

Answer 1

Pale and well demarcated.

Question 2

Is it unilateral or bilateral?

Answer 2

Usually bilateral

Question 3

Is it a sudden or gradual loss of vision?

Answer 3

Gradual

Question 4

What are some aquired causes of optic atrophy?

Answer 4

• Multiple sclerosis
• Papilloedema (longstanding)
• Raised intraocular pressure (e.g. glaucoma, tumour)
• Retinal damage (e.g. choroiditis, retinitis pigmentosa)
• Ischaemia
• Toxins: tobacco amblyopia, quinine, methanol, arsenic, lead
• Nutritional: vitamin B1, B2, B6 and B12 deficiency

Question 5

What are some congenital causes of optic atrophy?

Answer 5

• Friedreich’s ataxia
• Mitochondrial disorders e.g. Leber’s optic atrophy
• DIDMOAD - the association of cranial Diabetes Insipidus, Diabetes Mellitus, Optic Atrophy and Deafness (also known as Wolfram’s syndrome)