Sometimes patients come to me and say,
“Doctor, my vision has reduced suddenly, but my eye looks normal.”
In many such cases, the problem is not in the eye itself, but in the eye nerve. This condition is called optic neuropathy.
The optic nerve is like a cable that carries images from the eye to the brain. If this nerve gets damaged, vision reduces, even though the eye may look perfectly fine from the outside.
How does optic neuropathy feel?
People with optic neuropathy may notice:
Sudden or slowly increasing vision loss
One eye becoming weaker than the other
Colours looking dull or faded
Blurred or foggy vision
A dark patch or shadow in the vision
Many times, there is no pain, which makes people delay getting checked.
Why does the eye nerve get damaged?
There are many possible reasons:
Reduced blood supply to the eye nerve, especially in older people
Long-standing diabetes or high blood pressure
Inflammation or infection
Vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamin B12
Pressure on the nerve from nearby structures
Sometimes, the cause may be related to the brain or nervous system and needs further tests.
Why is early check-up important?
The eye nerve does not heal easily once it is damaged. If treatment is delayed, vision loss can become permanent. That is why sudden or unexplained vision loss should always be taken seriously.
How is optic neuropathy diagnosed?
Diagnosis requires a proper eye examination. Tests may include checking the eye nerve, visual field testing, scans of the eye nerve, and sometimes blood tests or brain scans to find the exact cause.
Can optic neuropathy be treated?
Treatment depends on the reason behind the nerve damage. Some types improve if treated early. In other cases, treatment helps prevent further vision loss rather than restore lost vision. Controlling diabetes, blood pressure, and correcting nutritional problems plays a very important role.
A simple message for patients
If your vision suddenly reduces, colours look dull, or one eye feels weaker, even without pain, do not ignore it. Getting your eyes checked early can help protect the remaining vision.
-- Dr. Sonal Hinge
Ophthalmologist
EyeLens Hospital, Seawoods, Navi Mumbai
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