My son was diagnosed with optic atrophy last August. He was 17 at the time. The cause has been undetermined. My youngest has signs of same complaint but is not experiencing any vision loss at this stage. With this in mind they are saying that the cause is most likely hereditary, even though my husband and I have no trouble with our vision that is not corrected by wearing glasses (I wear reading glasses). We can't see the point in paying money to any more specialists, just to be told that they can't tell us if our son will go blind or when it is likely to happen. Does anyone have any answers for us? It is most upsetting not knowing your sons future visial ability and as he is just about to sit his HSC and wants to pursue further study at Uni. his future is so uncertian. WORRIED MUM.

Actually I have Optic Atrophy, it has been followed by a specialist for 4 yrs now, I wear reading glasses so far no other vision problems. I also have low tension glaucoma. One of the first signs of glaucoma can be optic atrophy so keep an eye on the progression. It can progress to vision loss.