mom's storyOND - Optic Nerve Disorders
The importance of the optic nerve to vision has long been known. It is the essential link between eye and brain that makes vision possible. If the optic nerve is seriously affected by disease or damages through trauma or a tumor, visual loss or blindness may result.
The major optic nerve diseases are:
Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
Glaucomatous Optic Nerve Disease (GOND)
Toxic Optic Nerve Disease
Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON)
Together, they affect millions of people worldwide. Optic nerve disease of other types are no less important for their impact on individuals and families and for understanding the mechanisms of optic nerve disease.
Research in Optic Nerve Disease is promising and exciting to scientists and physicians in many disciplines, including ophthalmology, neurology, physiology, neurochemistry, neuroanatomy, pathology and molecular biology. They are now involved in research related to further understanding of Optic Nerve Disease, prevention, and therapy. Therapies designed to protect the optic nerve from disease are being developed.
For more information on the Major OND’s and for links to studies and other valuable resources, please visit our friends at the International Foundation for Optic Nerve Disorders at www.IFOND.org.
