Optic Nerve Atrophy
Optic nerve atrophy (ONA) is caused by tissue damage in the optic nerve. This can result in either partial or profound loss of vision. Optic nerve atrophy:
- reduces central vision acuity so a person can no longer see detail;
- reduces the field of vision; and
- decreases reaction of the pupil to light sources.
As ONA progresses, the pupil will cease to react to light altogether. Once vision is lost through ONA, it cannot be recovered.
The most common type of ONA is ischemic optic neuropathy. Ischemic optic neuropathy effects elderly Americans.
Arteric optic neuropathy, which is caused by poor blood flow to the optic nerve, affects approximately 1,000 people in the United States.
In adults, ONA can be caused by trauma, toxic substances, radiation, and shock. Disease related causes include multiple sclerosis, brain tumor, or stoke.
In children, ONA is commonly caused by anoxia, tumors, hydrocephalus, heredity, and rare degenerative disorders.
Rehabilitation Services
Loss of common daily activities such as the inability to drive safely, to read regular print or to watch T.V. can have a horrendous effect on one's life that can lead to job loss or isolation. But low vision rehabilitation is available to help a person preserve her/his quality of life and maintain maximum independence.
There are strategies and various devices that can assist a person in gaining the life style s/he enjoyed prior to vision loss. These include such things as:
- Strategies such as changing the lighting at home or at your job to maximize the vision you have; using color contrasts (e.g. dark table cloth with light dishes); simple labeling techniques (e.g. rubber band around the conditioner, none on shampoo)
- Optical aides such as magnifiers, telescopes, microscopes, electronic magnifiers, and prisms.
- High tech aides such Closed Caption T.V. (CCTV) or reading machines
- Non optical aides such as large print, audio tapes, signature guides
- Computer technology such as special screen magnification devices such as Zoom Text or Magic
The list of strategies and devices are endless. A good website to provide you with low vision resources is the Low Vision Information Center.
If you live in Florida and have vision loss that is causing you problems, you might benefit from one or more of our various programs. These include:
Braille and Talking Book Library Services
The Florida Division of Blind Services provides information and reading materials needed by individuals residing in Florida who are unable to use standard print as the result of visual, physical, or reading disabilities. These services are provided through its Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library Services.
Services to Adults Who Are Faced With Vision Loss and Want to Live Independently
Independent living services are provided to enable individuals who are blind and severely visually impaired to live more independently in their homes and communities with the maximum degree of self-direction. Successful outcomes enable individuals to live more independently in their community and/or transition to the world of work.
Services to Individuals Seeking Employment
Vocational rehabilitation services are provided to assist individuals who have a bilateral visual impairment which constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment; and need services to prepare for, enter or engage in or retain gainful employment. Successful outcomes lead to achievement of employment goals.