Bukke Sidda Naik1 , N. Gyana Prasoona Devi2 , U. Guru Prakash3 , Yekula Lokesh Kumar4 , P. Bhavani5 , Gopavaram Pushpavani6 , R. Rama Priya7
BACKGROUND Optic atrophy refers to the late stage changes that take place in the optic nerve resulting from axonal degeneration in the visual pathway between the retina and the lateral geniculate body. There are various aetiologies and classifications of optic atrophy. Therefore, it is crucial to diagnose the aetiology and treat a case of optic atrophy at the earliest, not only for good visual outcome but also for the general health and good quality of life for the patient. We wanted to study the aetiology of optic atrophy. METHODS A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, Sri Venkateswara Ramnarain Ruia Government General Hospital, attached to Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupati. A total of 100 cases of optic atrophy fulfilling the inclusion criteria were examined as per protocol and results were analysed. RESULTS A total of 100 cases was included in the study. Mean age-group of the majority of the patients was 46.88±17.04 years; of these, 62% were males, and 38% were females. Out of 100 cases, 26 cases were due to primary optic atrophy, 35 cases were due to glaucoma, 28 cases were due to consecutive optic atrophy, and 11 cases were due to secondary optic atrophy. CONCLUSIONS It is important to diagnose early and treat the cause of optic atrophy not only for better visual function but also for a better quality of life of the patient.
