Toxic And Nutritional Optic Neuropathies

Nutritional and toxic optic neuropathies belong to the group of metabolic mitochondrial optic neuropathies together with hereditary optic neuropathies. Nutritional and toxic optic neuropathies are grouped together because they have many common signs and symptoms. Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation dysfunction leads to dysfunction of the papillomacular bundle, resulting in optic neuropathy. Common clinical findings include dyschromatopsia, painless bilateral progressive visual loss, central or cecocentral visual field defects, and progressive optic disc pallor. A toxic substance or lacking vitamins and elements critical for mitochondrial function can cause optic neuropathy.