At the back of the eye, more than a million nerve fibers bundle together to form the optic nerve. The optic nerve sends visual information to the brain, which means that a healthy optic nerve helps provide good vision. Some eye conditions involve the optic nerve, which may lead to vision changes. Knowing some of the more common problems with the optic nerve may help a person identify symptoms and seek prompt treatment.
Glaucoma
A high pressure inside the eye may damage the optic nerve, a condition called glaucoma. The increased pressure doesn't typically give early symptoms, but a doctor may detect high eye pressure during an eye exam. Because glaucoma is usually a slow, progressive disease, the doctor can monitor the optic nerve for changes over time. If the doctor determines that the high eye pressure damaged the optic nerve, he may recommend using eye drops to reduce the pressure and reduce the risk of further damage to the optic nerve. If left untreated, or if the pressure doesn't respond the treatment, the damaged nerve will gradually result in loss of side vision, the National Eye Institute says. This happens slowly, and many people don't realize changes occurred until the disease causes significant vision loss. If eye drops fail to lower eye pressure, the eye doctor may recommend a surgery or laser procedures to help the fluid drain from the eye.
Optic Neuritis
Autoimmune disorders and other medical conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, may cause inflammation in the optic nerve. This condition, called optic neuritis, typically occurs in one eye, but occasionally both eyes will experience symptoms. Optic neuritis causes fluctuating levels of eye pain, loss of color vision and overall loss of vision, says MayoClinic.com. Treatment for optic neuritis includes steroids, given through an IV or by mouth. Many people who experience vision loss have a full return of vision within a number of months after the condition resolves. Some people, however, may have permanent vision damage.
Papilledema
Certain conditions that cause an increase in intracranial pressure, pressure inside the skull, may result in swelling of the optic nerve. This condition is called papilledema. Increased intracranial pressure may result from a number of conditions, such as a brain tumor, head trauma or meningitis, says The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. Some people may not have early symptoms of papilledema; others may experience blurred vision, double vision or vision that darkens for only a few seconds. Symptoms may also include headache, nausea or vomiting. If swelling increases, vision changes continue to worsen. These changes often prompt a person to contact a primary care physician or seek an eye evaluation. During the examination, the doctor will identify papilledema based on the appearance of the optic nerve. The patient may need further testing to determine the cause for the optic nerve swelling. Doctors treat papilledema by treating the cause for the condition.
