Optic nerve atrophy is a disorder characterized by varying degrees of destructive changes in the nerve fibers responsible for transmitting signals from the retina to the brain. As a result, the patient experiences reduced visual acuity or complete loss of vision. Effective therapy for this condition requires a high level of qualification and experience from doctors, as well as the availability of modern medical equipment, which explains the frequent visits of patients with such problems to Israeli medical centers. Treatment of optic nerve atrophy in Israel follows an individual scheme, including progressive medical and surgical methods. Timely therapy significantly alleviates painful symptoms and improves prognosis in more than 90% of cases.
To develop an effective therapeutic program, accurate diagnosis is necessary to determine the factor that caused the development of the pathology. Often, patients from the former CIS countries turn to Israeli clinics, where they could not receive quality help for a long time in their homeland. This is usually due to incorrect identification of the initial cause of atrophy, resulting from the outdated material and technical base of medical centers. In Israeli clinics, it is possible to accurately determine the source of the pathology, establish its signs, and select effective therapy methods within a few days, as confirmed by patient reviews. An advantage of receiving treatment in this country is also the reasonable cost of services, which is significantly lower than in other countries that are leading in popularity among medical tourists.
Treatment Methods for the Pathology
The development of optic nerve atrophy can be caused by various factors, including:
- ophthalmological disorders (glaucoma, retinal pathologies, tumours of various types);
- pathologies of the central nervous system (tumours, multiple sclerosis, infectious diseases, traumatic brain injuries);
- bacterial and viral diseases (syphilis, measles, herpes, and others);
- hypertension;
- diabetes mellitus;
- intoxications;
- congenital pathologies.
The main symptom is a decrease in visual acuity that cannot be corrected with glasses. Approximately one-quarter of patients experience progression of the pathology, leading to complete blindness in a relatively short time. In cases of incomplete atrophy, the patient may lose peripheral vision, and "tunnel" syndrome may develop, along with the appearance of black spots while partially retaining vision.
Since optic nerve atrophy is most often not a separate disease, therapy is aimed at eliminating the factor that caused the disturbance.
Surgical Treatment
When diagnosing brain tumours, aneurysms of cerebral vessels, or treatment-resistant increased intracranial pressure, neurosurgical intervention is indicated. In some cases, ligation of the superficial temporal artery is performed. Positive results are also noted with the implantation of donor tissues in the optic nerve area.
Medical Treatment
The medical treatment regimen includes the following types of medications:
- Medications aimed at reducing inflammation and eliminating swelling.
- Vasoconstrictors.
- Anti-sclerotic drugs.
- Angioprotectors.
- Diuretics.
- Nootropic drugs.
- Medications aimed at improving nerve trophism.
- Vitamin B group.
Physiotherapy
- Electrophoresis.
- Electrostimulation (implantation of a stimulator near the nerve and subcutaneous placement of an electrode is possible, providing prolonged effects).
- Magnetotherapy.
- Laser stimulation of the optic nerve.
- Ultrasound therapy.
- Acupuncture.
It should be noted that if visual acuity decreases to 0.01, any method of treatment does not yield the desired results.
Diagnostic Methods for the Pathology
To develop and conduct treatment, it is necessary to determine the cause of optic nerve atrophy. This involves a comprehensive examination of the patient, including an ophthalmologist's examination, instrumental and laboratory research methods. In Israeli clinics, a thorough examination of the patient takes, on average, three days.
On the day of admission to the clinic, the patient visits the attending ophthalmologist. During the appointment, the doctor reviews the medical history, determines the presence and degree of exophthalmos during the physical examination, checks visual acuity, the patient's ability to distinguish colors, and conducts perimetry. Ophthalmoscopy is mandatory, during which the color and contours of the optic nerve disc and the condition of its vascular network are assessed. The ophthalmologist also thoroughly questions the patient about any concomitant diseases, past injuries, medications taken, possible contact with toxic chemicals, and harmful habits. Necessary examinations are assigned to the patient during the initial consultation.
Completion of the examinations listed in the appointments:
- Electrophysiological method of investigation (VEP) — allows assessment of the optic nerve's condition, revealing pathological changes in its lability and sensitivity;
- Tonometry;
- Angiography of the retinal vessels;
- Ultrasound Dopplerography;
- X-ray examination of the orbit and cranial bones;
- CT and MRI of the brain;
- Laboratory tests (PCR, ELISA) — indicated for patients whose pathology is caused by an infectious disease;
- Genetic testing — performed when hereditary pathology is suspected.
If tumours are detected, the patient requires a consultation with an ocular oncologist and a neurosurgeon. In cases of vascular involvement, the patient is referred to a vascular surgeon.
The results of the examinations are reviewed by a medical board, which includes an ophthalmologist and narrow-profile specialists. After reviewing the obtained indicators, the doctors make a diagnosis and develop a treatment program.
How Much Does Treatment Cost
The price of the treatment course is among the most frequently asked questions by medical tourists. Receiving treatment in Israeli clinics allows foreign patients to save about 30% of the costs that would be incurred in Western European countries, and up to 50% in the USA.
Advantages of Treatment in Israel
- High level of doctor qualification.
- Comprehensive approach to treatment.
- Availability of modern medical diagnostic equipment.
- Professional performance of complex surgeries.
- Reasonable prices.
Timely therapy contributes to significant improvement in the patient's condition. Therefore, do not hesitate, contact the clinic, and start treatment.