Which event triggers secondary optic atrophy?

Secondary optic atrophy occurs when there is damage to the optic nerve due to an underlying pathological process. Optic neuritis, which involves inflammation of the optic nerve, is one of the conditions that leads to irreversible damage and subsequent atrophy of the optic nerve fibers. This damage hinders the transmission of visual signals from the eye to the brain, resulting in changes consistent with optic atrophy.

In contrast to the other options, which might involve other mechanisms or indirect effects, the specific pathological process of optic neuritis directly affects the optic nerve's integrity and function, making it a clear trigger for secondary optic atrophy. Conditions that lead to optic nerve damage typically include inflammation, ischemia, or direct compression, all of which can be categorized under pathological processes like optic neuritis. This highlights the importance of understanding the underlying cause of optic nerve damage in diagnosing and managing secondary optic atrophy effectively.