1. Identify Physical Symptoms
There are a number of different types of optic nerve atrophy, so presentation can vary from case to case. In general, patients experience abnormal color vision and a decrease in visual acuity. Optic nerve atrophy can occur precipitously or gradually depending on the underlying cause. Other symptoms, such as discoloration of the pupils, may indicate a bilateral form of the disorder that's inherited. Optic nerve atrophy may occur in conjunction with other neurological disorders, such as cortical visual impairment and delays in motor skills.
2. Look for Behavioral Clues
Many children who have optical nerve atrophy are colorblind and do not respond to prescription glasses to correct deficiencies in visual acuity. Their pupils may not react to light in the same way that normal pupils do. As a result of the underlying physical symptoms, individuals with optic nerve atrophy may suffer at school or at the workplace, and they may become irritated, depressed, anxious or frustrated more easily than normal.
3. Have a Professional Ophthalmologist Examine the Eyes
An ophthalmologist can run a battery of tests to determine whether optic nerve atrophy is indeed causing blurred vision, constriction of the pupil, discoloration of the optic disk and so forth. He or she may ask for a genetic history to search for any hereditary indicators of ONA. The ophthalmologist can also use a device called an opthalmascope to take a look at the optic nerve itself. Using close examination techniques, the ophthalmologist can scan the eyes for involuntary movements, abnormal pupil reactions and other vision problems.
4. Get to the Root Cause
Optic nerve atrophy can be caused by a number of conditions, some of which are relatively benign; others can be quite dangerous. Once your ophthalmologist has made a positive diagnosis, you can test for toxic optic neuropathy, hereditary optic neuropathy, optic neuritis, glaucoma, syphilis or other disorders which may be at the root of the problem.
