has part has part characteristic of has modifier Optic atrophy The diagnosis of optic atrophy is made when the optic disc loses its normal orange-pink color. Optic atrophy is an end stage that arises from myriad causes of optic nerve damage anywhere along the path from the retina to the lateral geniculate. Some of the most common etiologies are advanced glaucoma, optic neuritis, arteritic or non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy or a compressive lesion. Atrophy/Degeneration affecting the central nervous system Abnormal optic disc morphology abnormal atrophied cranial nerve II