Optic atrophy is a condition that manifests itself with changes in the structure and the color of the optic disc. This is usually influenced by the death of retinal ganglion cells and axons that comprises the optic nerves. In most instances, optic atrophy is a condition that has been associated with various degrees of visual dysfunction (Osaguona, 2016). The death of retinal ganglion cells results in the picture of the pale optic nerve. The optic nerve is very significant to the eye functioning since it is the one that transfers retinal information to the brain a factor that facilitates vision loss attributed to optic atrophy.
Body Systems Involved
Optic atrophy involves two significant body systems. Firstly, it involves the nervous system of the body. The nervous system that is responsible for sensing is adversely affected by optic atrophy. Specifically the optic nerve, its abilities are limited by optic atrophy. This is because the optic nerve is responsible for conveying important information to the brain, but as a result of optic atrophy, the affected individual may not be in a position to differentiate colors or have a clear vision. The damage is attributed to the inefficient retinal information due to dysfunction of the optic nerve. Optic atrophy also involves the circulatory system. This is through its effect on the abilities to supply enough blood to the optic nerve that is responsible for the vital role of informing the brain.
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Normal Anatomy of the Major Body System Affected
The anatomic segment of the eye that comprises of intraorbital, intraocular, intracranial and intracanalicular are some of the normal segments of the anatomy that are affected. This segment involves the outer layer of the sclera, the inner part of the cornea, the iris, the retina and the axons. These are the major anatomy of the eye that is adversely affected by optic atrophy. Considering the critical role played by retina, the sharp effects of optic atrophy on it negatively affect the normal visions of an individual. Axons too are important anatomies that are affected once optic atrophy is in the body.
Normal Physiology of Body System Affected
The most affected physiology by optic atrophy is responsible for the significant responsibility of vision by the eye. The most important physiology that is impacted by optic atrophy is the choroid. Aqueous, vitreous humor and the lacrimal systems too are affected by optic atrophy. This is a suggestion that the effects of optic atrophy inhibit the abilities of the significant physiology parts of the eye to function well. This is return facilitates the loss of vision.
Mechanisms of Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of optic atrophy comprises of the physical diagnosis of the affected individual. Dominant optic atrophy is the latest form of hereditary optic neuropathy characterized by painless bilateral visual loss (Chun & Rizzo, 2016). The affected individuals’ first experience advanced damage of nerves that encompasses the retina. The loss of the nerves is followed by the degeneration of critical optic nerves. Considering that optic nerves are vital as they carry important retinal information to the brain, the individual may start losing their clear visions. The abilities of the optic nerves are, therefore, inhibited due to the loss of axons and the shrinkage of myelin that are responsible for the maintaining of the optic shape. In most instances, the affected individual may not realize these effects unless they are taken through a clear process by the doctor.
Preventions
Prevention of optic atrophy as a condition may be hard. However, several measures can be adopted to ensure that the underlying causes of optic atrophy are combatted. Firstly, there is a need for older adults to manage the level of their blood pressure. As one of the attributed cause of optic atrophy, the balancing of blood pressure will significantly help in preventing optic atrophy. Secondly, there is a need to be careful to prevent accidents that may target the eye. This is because the eye’s operation is very sensitive and may be affected by external factors, leading to optic atrophy. This is a suggestion that individuals should take precautions to avoid external materials that may get into the eyes.
Treatment
Although there is no absolute treatment for an advanced stage of optic atrophy, there is the treatment that can reduce the damages. This is because once the axons have been affected they cannot be reversed (Wilhelm & Schabet, 2015). Individuals are advised to ensure that they consult professional check-ups frequently to assess their eyes status. This is an implication that early diagnosis and treatment of the underlying causes of optic atrophy can help in preventing further damage. Thus, to attain the treatment of optic atrophy, there is a need to ensure check-up and consultation to start medication before the development of the underlying causes of advanced stages.
Clinical Relevance
Understanding optic atrophy is very significant to the medical field. This is because it provides an opportunity for medical professionals to ascertain the conditions of the patients by utilizing the information provided. In attempts to provide relevant information, understanding pathology and physiopathology aspects of optic atrophy is a critical avenue in treating optic atrophy. It also aids professionals in understanding the symptoms and possible causes of optic atrophy. This is an implication that the relevance of understanding optic atrophy does not only benefit the medical professionals but also individuals who are at risk of being affected. Individuals can be impacted by this knowledge by being able to know the symptoms and possible preventive measures. Thus, it can be concluded that the clinical relevance of studying optic atrophy is very significant in the medical field.
References
Chun, Y., B., & Rizzo, F. J. (2016). Dominant optic atrophy: updates on the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of the optic atrophy 1 mutation. Current Opinion in Ophthalmology, 27 (6), 476-479. DOI: 10.1097/ICU.0000000000000314.
Osaguona V. B. (2016). Differential diagnoses of the pale/white/atrophic disc. Community Eye Health , 29 (96), 71–74.
Wilhelm, H., & Schabet, M. (2015). The diagnosis and treatment of Optic Neuritis. Deutsches Arzteblatt International , 112 (37), 616–626. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2015.0616.
