What changes does optic nerve damage produce?

What changes does optic nerve damage produce?

• A. Pallor of the optic disc
• B. Hyperemia of the optic disc
• C. Thickening of the optic nerve
• D. Distortion of the retina

Answer: (A)

Optic nerve damage leads to optic atrophy, where loss of retinal nerve fibers and accompanying gliosis cause the optic disc to appear pale. This pallor is the classic sign of established optic neuropathy, reflecting chronic degeneration after the initial injury. In the acute phase, you might see swelling or redness (hyperemia) of the disc, but as damage becomes chronic the disc becomes pale. Thickening would suggest edema or other swelling rather than true atrophy, and distortion of the retina is not a direct consequence of optic nerve injury.

Optic nerve damage leads to optic atrophy, where loss of retinal nerve fibers and accompanying gliosis cause the optic disc to appear pale. This pallor is the classic sign of established optic neuropathy, reflecting chronic degeneration after the initial injury. In the acute phase, you might see swelling or redness (hyperemia) of the disc, but as damage becomes chronic the disc becomes pale. Thickening would suggest edema or other swelling rather than true atrophy, and distortion of the retina is not a direct consequence of optic nerve injury.