Are there any treatments available for damaged optic nerves?

Doctor's Answer

Hi Damen

Unfortunately at this time there is really no treatment to improve vision that has been affected by optic nerve damage.

There are many diseases that can affect the optic nerves, and any treatment or management done would depend on what it is. In most cases, the treatment or management aims to limit the damage or prevent it from getting worse, rather than to improve vision.

This is particularly true for traumatic optic neuropathy. In the past, people have investigated the use of high dose steroids in the immediate post injury period, but the results are controversial with no benefit found in the IONTS study. Surgery may be considered but only in the immediate post injury period if there is a bony fragment pressing on the optic nerve.

If your vision is affected badly enough, then the best course of action is to have a low vision clinic assessment and consider getting some low vision aids. These can make a big difference to quality of life in many cases.

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