If congenital, it is usually hereditary.
Loss of vision is the only symptom.
Pale optic disk and loss of pupillary reaction are usually proportionate to the visual loss. There is no known treatment, since degeneration of optic nerve fibers is irreversible. Visual loss as a result of pressure against the optic nerve may be restored if the cause is identified and treated early. Optic atrophy secondary to vascular, traumatic, degenerative, and some toxic causes has a negative prognosis. Color perception may be impaired.