What is temporal optic disc pallor?

It refers to pallor of the optic disc which results from irreversible damage to the retinal ganglion cells and axons. The axons of the retinal ganglion cells make up the optic nerve and continue onto the optic chiasm, optic tract and up to the lateral geniculate body before they synapse.

What causes pallor of the optic disc?

Optic atrophy is a sign and typically is noted as optic nerve pallor. This is the end stage of a process resulting in optic nerve damage. Because the optic nerve fiber layer is thinned or absent the disc margins appear sharp and the disc is pale, probably reflecting absence of small vessels in the disc head.

Does optic nerve atrophy cause blindness?

Optic atrophy is not a disease, but rather a sign of a potentially more serious condition. Optic atrophy results from damage to the optic nerve from many different kinds of pathologies. The condition can cause problems with vision, including blindness.

How do you check pallor?

Looking for pallor in palms Ask the patient to display the palms. Palms should not be overstretched. Compare the pinkness of the palm with your palm or with that of a healthy person. Next, observe for the pallor of the palmar creases.

Does optic nerve damage mean glaucoma?

Glaucoma is the result of damage to the optic nerve. As this nerve gradually deteriorates, blind spots develop in your visual field. For reasons that doctors don’t fully understand, this nerve damage is usually related to increased pressure in the eye.

How long does it take to go blind from optic nerve atrophy?

Vision loss in optic neuritis typically occurs over several hours to days, and vision loss is usually at its worst within 1 to 2 weeks.

What does pallor mean in medical terms?

Pallor comes from the Latin word “palleo,” which means to look pale or fade. Pallor is a condition in which a person’s skin and mucous membranes turn lighter than they usually are.

What does pallor look like?

Pallor is a pale color of the skin that can be caused by illness, emotional shock or stress, stimulant use, or anemia, and is the result of a reduced amount of oxyhaemoglobin and may also be visible as pallor of the conjunctivae of the eyes on physical examination. Pallor is more evident on the face and palms.