Contributor: Gordon K. Klintworth
Optic neuropathy has many causes and several types are recognized. It may result from ischemia [optic neuropathy - ischemic], compression from adjacent masses [optic neuropathy - compressive] or radiation [optic neuropathy - radiation]. Ischemic optic neuropathy may involve mainly the anterior portion of the optic nerve and such involvement has been subdivided into arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy [anterior ischemic optic neuropathy - arteritic] and nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy [anterior ischemic optic neuropathy - nonarteritic]. Some diseases of the optic nerve may be associated with inflammation [optic neuritis]. Optic neuropathy may have an acute onset [optic neuropathy - acute]. Disorders with an optic neuropathy include Rosenberg-Chutorran syndrome, Leber stellate maculopathy, and Leber hereditary optic neuropathy