Congenital malformations of the optic nerve

Anomalies in the development of the optic nerve significantly reduce the visual function of the eye. They are found when examined by an ophthalmologist. These changes are stable and not subject to any changes, like all congenital anomalies.

Hamartoma is a tumor-like formation on the fundus, which is located on the site of the optic nerve disc( the beginning of the nerve).

Hypoplasia ( underdevelopment) of the optic nerve is revealed when examined by a physician. At the same time, the optic nerve disk looks much paler than normal. In addition, its diameter is reduced to 1/3 or 1/2 normal size. One of the variants of such anomaly may be aplasia, that is, a complete absence of the optic nerve on the fundus of the disc. Preservation of vision depends on the severity of the underdevelopment of the optic nerve.

Coliboma is a defect in the optic nerve tissue. This anomaly was first described in 1923. Koloboma is a depression of white or grayish color, which is located in the region of the optic disc. Such a pathology of the optic nerve can be family-hereditary. The violation of visual functions depends on the severity of the anomaly.

Fovea( groove) in the optic nerve wheel is its partial coloboma. The effect of such an anomaly on vision can be varied - from fully preserved functions to a sharp decrease in central vision due to secondary changes due to edema, hemorrhage, degeneration. With such a disease, laser treatment is performed.

The double optic nerve wheel is a manifestation of the optic nerve doubling in different lengths. These two discs can be of different sizes and located in different parts of the fundus.

Congenital atrophy( underdevelopment) of the optic nerves can be complete or partial. Complete atrophy leads to the lack of visual functions. Thus the person does not fix a sight, can not watch objects, movements of eyeballs floating, the involuntary movement of eyeballs is noted. The pupils' reaction to light is weak or absent at all. Partial atrophy is manifested by a less severe impairment of visual functions. An oculist can only cause suspicion of a partial atrophy of the optic nerve, while the final diagnosis is established after a whole series of additional studies.

Dysplasia of the optic nerve wheel is a pathology of the optic disc caused by multiple rounded grayish-white or yellowish formations in its tissues that can protrude above the surface of the disc or be in its depth. In most cases druses are congenital, often hereditary anomaly of development. The number and size of drusen can increase throughout life. Drushes are often detected in individuals with various family-hereditary diseases of the nervous system, mainly metabolic diseases. Druses located in the depth of the optic disc can cause swelling or compression of his fibers, which in turn will lead to a decrease in vision.

Prepapillary membrane is a light translucent or dense film located above the disk of the optic nerve. As a rule, vision does not suffer from this anomaly.