Optic atrophy is caused by mutations in the OPA1 gene and is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. It causes progressive vision loss that typically begins in the first decade of life by inflaming the optic nerve. While optic atrophy itself is not curable and damage to the optic nerve cannot be reversed, an early diagnosis may help prevent further vision loss if the underlying cause can be identified and corrected. Optic atrophy occurs most commonly in Denmark, affecting 1 in 10,000 people there.

1. Optic Atrophy
By Autumn and Sarah

2. What are the effects?
●
Optic atrophy effects
your vision and causes
progressive vision loss
that typically begins
within the first decade
of life. It causes
inflammation of the
optic nerve.

3. What causes optic atrophy?
●
Optic atrophy is caused
by mutations in the
OPA1 gene. It's
inherited in a autosomal
dominant pattern. (1
copy of the altered
gene in each cell is
sufficient to cause the
disorder.)

4. Is there a cure or treatment
for optic atrophy?
●
Optic atrophy is
NOT curable.
Damage to the optic
nerve cannot be
reversed. Rarely
conditions that lead
to optic atrophy may
be treatable.

5. Can you prevent optic atrophy?
●
The best defense of
optic atrophy is an
early diagnosis. If
the cause can be
found and
corrected, further
vision loss can be
prevented.

6. Interesting Facts
●
●
Atrophy means to
waste away or
deteriorate.
Optic atrophy is most
common in Denmark. It
effects 1 in 50,000
people worldwide. In
Denmark, 1 in 10,000
people are effected by
optic atrophy.

7. Interesting Facts
●
●
Atrophy means to
waste away or
deteriorate.
Optic atrophy is most
common in Denmark. It
effects 1 in 50,000
people worldwide. In
Denmark, 1 in 10,000
people are effected by
optic atrophy.