Scar tissue on optic nerve

[CailB]

I have a friend who was severely abused as a child, and the result is scar tissue on the optic nerve. He is now in his early 40's and his eyes are preventing him from employment, as they are gradually getting worse and he can no longer pass the field vision test.
Doctors have said that scar tissue is blocking most of the light from going through on one of his eyes. He tried opening it by injecting fluid but it wouldn't budge. He has never had an MRI or anything done. The doctor wouldn't really talk to him because they said there is nothing they can do with the optic nerves yet; they were still in testing phases. This was several years ago, and I am not convinced there is nothing they can do. Can't the scar tissue be removed, at least partially?

[CailB]

Thank you very much! From the time he was born, his dad used to abuse him...and he was hit every night with a pipe or bat on the side of his head (ritual beatings). That abuse is what tore his optic nerve and caused the scar tissue to form I guess. This took place for many years until he was finally old enough to be disowned and thrown out of the house. He is finally over the anger because God took care of it, but now was hoping medical treatments had advanced enough to correct his vision problem. I guess it won't progress enough in his lifetime to help him though...although he's perfectly willing to let someone get a nobel prize in experimental optic nerve work (if it works)! Like he says. I'm going blind anyway, so what would it hurt? lol

[EyeSeeStars]

I just can't help but say that I find your original post unspeakably sad. My heart goes out to your friend.  I'm sure that everyone on this forum wishes him all the best.

[CailB]

Thank you Dr. O.
I understand they are working on optic nerve regeneration, and have had good results so far. How long does it generally take from the testing phases on mice to becoming available for humans? I understand he does not qualify, but those tests might open up other areas of treatments not thought of right now.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Most types of optic nerve damage is permanent and there is no treatment.  A medical diagnosis of the condition would be helpful to see if anything can be done.

Dr. O.