Attendees of “Don’t Fear the Optic Nerve: A Review of Optic Neuropathies,” presented by Julie Rodman, OD, MSc, FAAO, were educated, in part, about the patient complaints associated with each of the five optic neuropathies. The lecture occurred on March 2, from 9 AM to 11 AM, at the Georgia World Congress Center, 311.

“Being familiar with the symptoms of optic neuropathy is crucial for early diagnosis and management, which ultimately can change the course of the disease,” Dr. Rodman said of her presentation. “Timely intervention leads to improved outcomes, including preserving visual function and acuity.”

Nonarteritic Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

Also referred to as NAION, Dr. Rodman explained that patients who have this optic neuropathy report acute, painless, unilateral vision loss, altitudinal visual field loss; and dyschromatopsia.

Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

Also known as AION, patients who have this optic neuropathy complain of rapid onset of unilateral vision loss, altitudinal visual field loss, and abnormal pupillary response, according to Dr. Rodman 

Giant Cell Arteritis

Recognized as the most common vasculitis in adults older than age 50, Dr. Rodman explained that these patients report headache, scalp tenderness, jaw claudication, malaise, loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, and joint pain.

Optic Neuritis

Occurring when the optic nerve becomes inflamed or damaged, patients who have this optic neuropathy complain of pain in or around the eye, which may be worse with eye movement, color desaturation, blind spots in vision, and loss of vision, Dr. Rodman pointed out.

Toxic/Nutritional Optic Neuropathy

Stemming from optic nerve damage from a toxin, this optic neuropathy causes bilateral, symmetric painless progressive vision loss associated with dyschromatopsia, loss of central or paracentral visual acuity, variable scotomas, photophobia, and poor dark adaptation. OM