Optic Nerve Hypoplasia

Optic nerve hypoplasia is a congenital disorder (present at birth), whereby a child’s optic nerves have not developed sufficiently. The optic nerve is the nerve which transmits signals from the eye’s retina to the brain. This disorder may affect a child at varying levels of severity, and may be present in one or both eyes. Some of the children’s vision may be fairly functional, while other children may have no light perception, depending in how badly the optic nerve has been affected. Eye movement is also affected in some children, a condition known as nystagmus. However, a child’s vision does not deteriorate over time in this disorder.

There is no definite cause of optic nerve hypoplasia. It has been weakly associated with maternal diabetes or young maternal age, but this is true only for occasional cases. In some cases, optic nerve hypoplasia is also accompanied with underdevelopment of the hypothalamus, which is the part of the brain responsible for regulating basic body functions such as thirst, hunger, sleep, and body temperature.

When to seek expert advise

If you suspect that your child’s vision is affected you must consult your child’ paediatrician. You will be able to tell if your child’s depth perception is affected, if you child is showing sensitivity to bright light, or if your child’s eye movements are abnormal. These symptoms must be immediately discussed with a qualified doctor. A referral to a Paediatric Ophthalmologist may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

You can be assured of receiving the best quality medical care at The Aga Khan University Hospital. Our expert and highly trained staff at the Department of Paediatrics at the Aga Khan University Hospital can provide you with additional information and medical advice. We have an internationally accredited staff with which you can safely and privately discuss your symptoms, gain advice and receive personalized treatment and care.​