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Waxy optic atrophy in retinitis pigmentosa

The nerve in the later stages of retinitis pigmentosa often takes on a “waxy” appearance, giving the impression of atrophy. This pallor is gliotic in origin and, as such, is not a true atrophy per se. (Contributed by Dr. Rosa Ana Tang.)

Associated Disorders

  • Bassen-Kornzweig disease
  • Cushing syndrome
  • Kearns-Sayre syndrome
  • Lawrence-Moon-Biedl syndrome
  • Mitochondrial encephalopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS)
  • Ocular paraneoplastic syndromes
  • Refsum disease
  • Usher syndrome
  • gastroesophageal reflux disease
  • posterior vitreous detachment
  • retinal detachment
  • systemic arterial hypertension
  • systemic lupus erythematosus