What is the optic nerve?

The optic nerve is an assortment of more than a million nerve fibers that convey visual signals from the eye to the brain. The optic nerve develops the first trimester of intrauterine life.

What is optic nerve hypoplasia?

Optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) is a congenital condition in which the optic nerve is underdeveloped (small).

How is optic nerve hypoplasia detected?

The scrutiny of ONH is usually made by the appearance of trivial/pale optic nerve on ophthalmoscopic checkup of the eye. It is problematic to foresee visual acuity potential on the base of optic nerve appearance. Maximum cases of ONH have no evidently recognizable cause. There are no identified racial or socioeconomic aspects in the development of ONH, nor is there an identified association with exposure to pesticides.

What visual issues are linked with optic nerve hypoplasia?

Vision impairment from ONH ranges from mild to severe and might affect one or both eyes. Nystagmus (shaking of the eyes) might be seen with both unilateral and bilateral circumstances. The occurrence of strabismus is increased with ONH.

Is optic nerve hypoplasia linked with non-visual issues?

Optic nerve hypoplasia can be related with central nervous system (CNS) deformities which put the patient in danger for other issues, including seizure ailment and developmental postponement.  Hormone insufficiencies befall in maximum youngsters, irrespective of associated midline brain aberrations or pituitary gland aberrations on MRI. In fact, maximum kids with growth hormone insufficiency have a normal MRI.

What tests should be done for kids with optic nerve hypoplasia?

An MRI scan is specified for all kids with optic nerve hypoplasia. Assessment by an endocrinologist should be obligatory for all patients under five years of age.

Does optic nerve hypoplasia get worse over time?

At large, ONH is a steady and non-progressive condition which does not worsen. Vision might improve marginally and nystagmus might decline over time.

Diagnosis of ONH explained in detail

Diagnosis of ONH is chiefly clinical. Currently, laboratory or radiographic inspections to establish the diagnosis of ONH are non-existent. ONH diagnosis is via ophthalmic substantiation of a trivial optic disc that is pale or grayish. The disc dimensions are measured by taking the distance from the optic nerve to the macula. ONH might also be accompanied by meandering retinal vessels that might affect both venules and arterioles. Otherwise, the vessels may be remarkably straight with abridged branching. However, in mild circumstances of ONH, the double ring sign may not be seen and the optical disc appears normal. Consequently, MRI of the intracranial visual pathways is an improved clinical diagnostic tool.

Reasons and risk factors

There is no identified reason of ONH. However, in several cases, numerous risk factors have been linked with ONH. These consist of maternal diabetes, maternal alcohol abuse and usage of anti-epileptic drugs. Others risk aspects include fetal or maternal infections such as Hepatitis B, young maternal age and preterm birth. Doctors are typically observant for any signs of hypothalamic dysfunction accompanied by any vision difficulties. For example, all kids with neonatal jaundice and recurrent hypoglycemia ought to have ophthalmoscopy examination, predominantly, if the kid experiences related temperature uncertainty. Furthermore, if a kid exhibits hormonal insufficiencies or inherited incongruity, MRI scan should be taken so as to identify intracranial abnormalities and rule out curable disorders. Growth of kids with ONH should also be scrutinized and their sexual development observed so as to forestall deferred sexual growth. They should also often undergo physical, occupational and speech therapy.

Is there any treatment for optic nerve hypoplasia?

There is nil medical or surgical treatment for ONH. However, obstruction of the better seeing eye might improve vision in the other eye. Kids with substantial vision loss in both eyes might profit from initial supportive attention by low vision experts. Stem cell treatment has not been revealed to be effective for ONH. Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (also recognized as ONH) is a condition that affects the optic nerves, which are accountable for conveying visual information between the eyes and brain. The occurrence of ONH as a chief reason of vision impairment has speedily been snowballing over the years. Individuals with ONH often experience visual sharpness, sensitivity to bright light, and outlying field loss. Consequently, they have woe recognizing faces and facial expressions. Moreover, they have challenges retrieving near and comprehensive information.

Could cell therapy treat optic nerve hypoplasia?

Can optic nerve hypoplasia be cured by stem cell treatment? Yes! There is hope for individuals living with optic nerve hypoplasia. Doctors have revealed that retrieving innovative cellular-based treatment can decelerate vision loss. Probabilities are that cell therapy could also offer new healing potentials as equated to traditional approaches of treatment. Widespread research on how live cell therapy can treat severe eye conditions is still continuing. For over a decade now, the cellular therapies have played a gigantic role in the treatment of ONH as the cells improve vision centered on their unique characteristics and variances.