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Optic Nerve hypoplasia

What are the symptoms?

The optic nerve carries visual information from the eye to the brain which interprets it and allows people to "see" objects and the surrounding world. This process can be interrupted to a greater or lesser degree depending on the amount of underdevelopment of the optic nerve. If the nerve in only one eye is affected in a minor way vision can be almost normal but if both eyes are affected in a more major way, the individual may only be able to see large objects and bright lights.

Other features of ONH may include:

  • Nystagmus (jerky movements of the eyes);
  • Mild photophobia (light sensitivity);
  • Problems of peripheral vision (inability to see objects to the side);
  • Poor depth perception.

ONH may also be associated with other conditions such as Septo-optic dysplasia due to incorrect development of the pituitary gland (see entry, Pituitary disorders).

View Background Background  |  What are the causes? View What are the causes?

Medical text written October 2005 by Miss Isabelle Russell-Eggitt FRCS FRCOphth, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK.

 

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