Optic atrophy is a clinical term used to describe an optic disc thought to be paler than normal. Optic atrophy is not a diagnosis but an ophthalmoscopic sign. Evidence of visual loss (acuity, color vision, peripheral vision) should be present. Most optic atrophy is diffuse and nonspecific, but historical and examination clues exist that help differentiate the many causes of optic atrophy. Patients with unexplained optic atrophy should be evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging.
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