Optic nerve neuropathies – causative factors, methods of diagnostics, current and future possibilities of treatment

Introduction: Optic neuropathies are a broad group of diseases in which the dominant disturbance is damage to optic nerve, often irreversible. Underlying causes neuropathy both genetic and environmental. Despite limited treatment options, much research currently being done on substances that could improve nerve function alleviate clinical consequences damage.
 Purpose: This article describes current findings pathophysiology diagnosis disorder, as well options future perspectives.
 State knowledge: The pathogenetic cause mainly demyelination within neural sheath, caused by inflammation. It characterized progressive loss vision. most common mitochondrially inherited Leber hereditary (LHON) mostly sudden painless visual acuity. Toxic heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, methanol carbon monoxide. Nutritional related vitamin B1, B9 B12 deficiency, rare example can be curable at early stage disease. Another ischemia divided according place affected – AION (anterior ischemic neuropathy) PION (posterior neuropathy).
 Conclusions: therapeutic strictly depend causative factor. deficiencies treated with appropriate supplementation, so it vital truly determine missing vitamins elements.