Eye Atrophy: Symptoms, Causes, and Related Conditions

Q: Eye Atrophy: Symptoms, Causes, and Related Conditions

Hello, Xin： Atrophy of the eyeball may be due to degeneration of the retinal nerves or retinal blood vessels. <br>This can lead to shrinkage of the eyeball, which is sometimes unavoidable. <br>When the eyeball shrinks, blindness is likely to occur. <br>Poor vision may result in s

Ocular degeneration

Hello, could you please explain what conditions may arise from ocular atrophy? It seems difficult to find relevant information.
Does ocular atrophy progress over time, or is it possible for the condition to remain stable? Can ocular atrophy lead to high hyperopia, or is high hyperopia already present? Does ocular atrophy cause a larger angle of esotropia and mild hypertropia, or could strabismus have been present from the beginning? Can a visual acuity test reveal the degree of vision loss in a non-light-perceiving eye?
In blind eyes, the area around the eyeball and the sclera often appears red, and blood vessels or streaks can be seen in the lower part of the sclera, but there is no pain or itching.
Is this due to atrophy? (This has been common for many years.) Is the nystagmus in blind eyes usually more severe, or is the amplitude and frequency of nystagmus similar in both eyes? In the seeing eye, is the nystagmus also very pronounced? Is it true that corneal opacities, besides having white spots on the pupil, can also cause the pupil to appear cloudy and bluish-gray? Is this a manifestation of ocular atrophy? Will the opacities increase in number? Can corneal opacities lead to falsely elevated intraocular pressure? Could it be significantly higher than 21 mmHg? Is there a possibility for the opacities to calcify, and if so, what causes this? How can one determine if calcification is present?
I often hear that the eye on the blind side appears more swollen, but I don't feel anything unusual.
What could be the reason for this? Thank you for your response.

Xin, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/06/28

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello, Xin: Atrophy of the eyeball may be due to degeneration of the retinal nerves or retinal blood vessels.
This can lead to shrinkage of the eyeball, which is sometimes unavoidable.
When the eyeball shrinks, blindness is likely to occur.
Poor vision may result in strabismus or nystagmus.
Nystagmus can occur in both eyes differently or in just one eye.
Corneal leukoma refers to scarring on the cornea and is unrelated to changes in the iris color.
Sometimes, leukoma may be less elastic, which could lead to elevated intraocular pressure.
Eye swelling and calcification should not be related.
For corneal calcification, please refer to: https://bit.ly/3Ov2Mu9

Reply Date: 2022/06/28

More Info

Understanding eye atrophy, or the degeneration of the eye, involves recognizing various symptoms, causes, and related conditions. Eye atrophy can manifest in several ways, and its progression can vary significantly among individuals.

Symptoms of Eye Atrophy
1. Visual Impairment: One of the most noticeable symptoms of eye atrophy is a decline in visual acuity. This can range from mild blurriness to complete loss of vision, depending on the severity of the atrophy.

2. Changes in Eye Appearance: The eye may appear smaller or sunken due to the loss of tissue. Additionally, the sclera (the white part of the eye) may become more visible, and blood vessels may become more prominent, leading to a reddish appearance.

3. Strabismus (Squinting): Eye atrophy can lead to misalignment of the eyes, resulting in conditions such as esotropia (inward squint) or hypertropia (upward squint). These conditions can arise from muscle imbalance caused by the degeneration of the eye.

4. Nystagmus: This is characterized by involuntary eye movements, which can be more pronounced in the affected eye. The degree of nystagmus may vary between the two eyes, especially if one eye has significantly worse vision.

5. Photophobia: Increased sensitivity to light may occur, making it uncomfortable to be in bright environments.

Causes of Eye Atrophy
Eye atrophy can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Genetic Disorders: Conditions like retinitis pigmentosa can lead to progressive degeneration of the retina, resulting in atrophy.

- Injury or Trauma: Physical damage to the eye can lead to tissue loss and subsequent atrophy.

- Chronic Diseases: Conditions such as diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, which may result in atrophy over time.

- Infections: Certain infections can damage the eye structures, leading to atrophy.

- Age-Related Changes: As individuals age, the risk of developing conditions that can lead to eye atrophy increases.

Progression and Management
The progression of eye atrophy can vary. In some cases, it may stabilize, while in others, it may continue to deteriorate. Regular eye examinations are crucial for monitoring changes and managing symptoms.

Relationship with Other Conditions
1. Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Eye atrophy can lead to or exacerbate hyperopia, but it is essential to determine if hyperopia was present before the onset of atrophy.

2. Strabismus: The development of strabismus can be influenced by eye atrophy, but it may also be a pre-existing condition unrelated to atrophy.

3. Corneal Opacities: Conditions like corneal scarring or opacities can occur alongside eye atrophy, potentially leading to increased intraocular pressure. However, it is essential to differentiate between true glaucoma and pseudo-glaucoma caused by corneal changes.

4. Calcium Deposits: Calcium deposits in the cornea can occur due to various reasons, including metabolic disorders or chronic inflammation. These deposits can lead to opacification and may contribute to visual impairment.

Conclusion
In summary, eye atrophy is a complex condition with various symptoms and potential causes. It can lead to significant visual impairment and may be associated with other ocular conditions. If you are experiencing symptoms such as changes in vision, eye alignment issues, or unusual appearances of the eye, it is crucial to consult an eye care professional for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate management. Regular monitoring and early intervention can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

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