Switzerland is one of the world leaders in ophthalmology. Its highly qualified specialists use advanced technologies to treat eye diseases. According to statistics, around 1.5% of all visits to an ophthalmologist concern optic nerve atrophy. It is one of the most serious eye conditions and can lead to complete loss of sight.

This eye condition cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, and it cannot be cured completely. Modern methods can, however, halt the degenerative process and even bring some improvement.

CorSwiss will help you find leading specialists who work with the most progressive methods, find effective ways to fight the condition and help you preserve your sight.

What is optic nerve atrophy?

It is a pathological condition in which the optic nerve dies off.

The optic nerve carries information from the retina to the brain. As it gradually dies off, the light signal reaches the brain in distorted form. This leads to reduced visual acuity, blind spots and changes in colour perception.

Optic nerve atrophy can be partial or complete; complete atrophy results in total loss of sight. Atrophy can also be primary or secondary.

Primary optic nerve atrophy

This form is diagnosed as a condition in its own right. Its characteristic feature is that the optic disc becomes pale while its margins remain sharp. The retinal arteries also narrow noticeably.

Secondary optic nerve atrophy

This form develops as a result of another disease. The optic disc is also pale, but its margins become blurred. Secondary atrophy is the more common form.

What causes optic nerve atrophy?

The most common causes of optic nerve damage include:

  • glaucoma, myopia and a number of other eye diseases;
  • eye injuries;
  • infections;
  • diseases of the nervous system;
  • raised intraocular pressure;
  • vascular disease;
  • exposure to toxic substances.

What are the symptoms of optic nerve atrophy?

Typical symptoms include:

  • a decline in visual acuity;
  • changes in colour perception;
  • a narrowing of the visual field;
  • dark spots in the visual field.

Which optic nerve conditions are treated in Switzerland?

The following optic nerve conditions are treated in Switzerland:

  • Glaucoma – a disease that damages the optic nerve and can lead to blindness. In Switzerland, glaucoma is treated with medication, laser surgery or microsurgery.
  • Optic nerve atrophy – a condition characterised by the gradual destruction of the optic nerve. Its causes vary and include diabetes, arterial hypertension, injuries, tumours and other diseases. In Switzerland, optic nerve atrophy is treated with medication, laser surgery or microsurgery.
  • Optic nerve tumours – rare conditions that may be benign or malignant. In Switzerland, they are treated with surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
  • Congenital anomalies of the optic nerve – conditions resulting from genetic disorders or injury in the womb. In Switzerland, they are treated with medication, surgery or other methods.

Which Swiss clinics specialise in treating optic nerve conditions?

Switzerland has many clinics specialising in the treatment of optic nerve conditions. Here are some of them:

  • Clinique de Genolier – the largest private clinic in Switzerland. Its ophthalmology department specialises in treating optic nerve conditions, including glaucoma, optic nerve atrophy, optic nerve tumours and other diseases.
  • Centre de Glaucome de Lausanne – a specialist centre for the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. Its experienced ophthalmologists use advanced technologies to treat glaucoma.
  • Clinique de Montchoisi – a clinic specialising in eye diseases, including optic nerve conditions. Its highly qualified specialists use advanced technologies to treat eye diseases.

Diagnosing and grading optic nerve atrophy at a Swiss clinic

Examination of the optic nerve may include:

  • ophthalmoscopy;
  • ultrasound of the eye;
  • angiography of the surrounding vessels;
  • optical coherence tomography;
  • MRI.

The examination establishes the precise degree of atrophy and other details of the condition. The earlier an accurate diagnosis is made and treatment begins, the better the patient’s chances of preserving their sight.

Treating optic nerve atrophy at Swiss clinics

Optic nerve atrophy is traditionally treated with medication. Various drugs may be prescribed:

  • drugs that improve blood supply to the optic nerve;
  • drugs that improve metabolism;
  • vitamin complexes;
  • anti-inflammatory drugs;
  • nootropic drugs.

Physiotherapy is usually a complementary method prescribed alongside medication. It may include:

  • electrical stimulation;
  • magnetic therapy;
  • laser therapy.

In some cases, the doctor may recommend surgical treatment of optic nerve atrophy.

Standard therapies can halt the progression of the disease. They bring little significant improvement, however, and cannot restore lost visual acuity. This is why the search for more effective treatments continues.

The latest treatments for optic nerve atrophy in Switzerland

Cell therapy is one of the new, effective treatments. Stem cells are immature cells with a unique ability: they can become cells of different organs and have very high regenerative potential.

In ophthalmology, stem cells are most often taken from bone marrow or adipose tissue, though cells from umbilical cord blood may also be used.

The stem cell preparation can be injected into the eyeball or administered intravenously.

Studies have shown that stem cells improve optic nerve function in 70–90% of cases. Cell therapy leads to the formation of new neural connections, prevents the death of neurons and increases blood supply to the eye. As a result, vision improves by around 30%. The effect appears after several months and lasts for 1–3 years.

How Swiss clinics treat optic nerve damage with stem cells

  • In the first stage, stem cells are harvested from the patient’s adipose tissue or bone marrow.
  • The quality of the stem cells is checked to confirm that they are suitable for the procedure. The cells are then grown in a specialist laboratory to the required number and prepared for the procedure.
  • In the third stage, the preparation is injected into the eye close to the optic nerve. This is a minimally invasive, well-tolerated procedure lasting 20–60 minutes.

To increase its effectiveness, cell therapy may be combined with medication and physiotherapy.

Before the procedure, you will need an examination and a consultation with an ophthalmologist, who will decide on the basis of your health whether the procedure is right for you.

How stem cells affect the eyes

After stem cell treatment, the immune system is activated and regenerative processes begin in the eyeball. At first there may be redness, discomfort around the eye and swelling. These effects subside within a few weeks.

After about a month, active recovery begins: nerve fibres regenerate and blood circulation improves. These processes intensify over time and reach their peak around 6 months after the procedure. Most patients see a 20–30% improvement in vision, and in some cases the improvement is even more marked. The ability to distinguish colours may also return.

Advantages of the method:

  • the treatment delivers results relatively quickly;
  • only a short stay at the clinic is needed;
  • patients tolerate the procedure well;
  • in most cases vision improves;
  • the treatment can be used for all forms of the disease.

How to choose a clinic for optic nerve treatment in Switzerland

When choosing a clinic for optic nerve treatment in Switzerland, consider the following factors:

  • The clinic’s reputation. Read patient reviews before making your choice.
  • The specialists’ qualifications. The clinic should have experienced ophthalmologists who specialise in optic nerve conditions.
  • The technologies used. The clinic should use advanced technologies to treat optic nerve conditions.
  • The cost of treatment. Costs can vary considerably from clinic to clinic.

If you are considering optic nerve treatment in Switzerland, contact the specialist company CorSwiss, which will help you choose a clinic and arrange your trip.