Download Optic Nerve Hypoplasia

Optic Nerve Hypoplasia
Optic Nerve Hypoplasia is the underdevelopment of the optic nerve during
pregnancy. The majority of the time Optic Nerve Hypoplasia is bilateral. It is
congenital, stable and not genetic.
With Optic Nerve Hypoplasia photophobia and a nystagmus may occur. As the
brain matures there may be a mild improvement in visual function and in some
cases, reduced nystagmus may also occur.
A person with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia has optic nerves which are small and
poorly developed. Instead of having over 1 million connections (nerve fiber) from
each eye to the brain, people with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia have far fewer
connections. Vision can range 20/20 to complete blindness, or no light
perception. Affected eyes also show a visual field deficit.
Managing uncomplicated cases require patient education and protective
eyewear. When one eye is affected more than the other, an ophthalmologist
may recommend a trial of patching the stronger eye, since the visual loss may be
due to amblyopia.
References
(Jan 5, 2009). Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH)-General Information. Retrieved July 1, 2009, from
The MAGIC Foundation Web site:
http://www.magicfoundation.org/printpage.php?LEVEL=101&ID=116&ELEMENT=docs.
Chan, Jane (2007). Optic Nerve Disorders. New York, NY : Springer.
Optic Nerve Hypoplasia. Retrieved July 12009, from Handbook of Ocular Disease Management
Web site: http://www.revoptom.com/handbook/sect6i.htm
Pediatric Visual Diagnosis Fact Sheet: Optic Nerve Hypoplasia. Retrieved July 1, 2009, from
Blind babies foundation Web site:
http://blindbabies.typepad.com/parents_and_caregivers/files/fact_sheet_optic_nerve_hyp
oplasia.pdf.
Verderber, M.D., Lisa (Sept./Oct. 1996). The Doctor Is In: Optic Nerve Hypoplasia. Visually
Impaired Preschool Services of, Louisville Kentucky.