Abstract

SA.15.06

Optic disc anomalies in childhood

Isabel Oberacher-Velten, Tina Dietrich, Horst Helbig
Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Klinikum der Universität Regensburg, Regensburg

Objective
Optic disc anomalies in childhood can lead to impairment of visual function both by morphological alterations and by amblyopia. Differentiating the contributions of both is important for an efficient and optimal therapy.
Methods
Retrospectively, the data of all children (aged zero to eight years) were analysed who presented in our hospital between August 2007 and March 2009 with optic disc anomalies (25). They were evaluated descriptively for symmetry or asymmetry of the morphological alterations, for combined alterations of the central retina, for visual acuity and individual courses of visual function, for binocularity, stereoacuity, and ocular alignment. Potential additional alterations of the central nervous system were considered.
Results
A high variability of morphological findings goes along with a high variability of functional impairment ranging from loss of visual impairment to severe alterations. Amblyopia therapy can lead to partial improvement even in ca-ses of severe visual impairment. The necessary intensity of therapy to reach visual improvement has to be evaluated individually.
Conclusions
Recording of all ocular morphological alterations and alterations of the visual pathway helps to prognose permanent functional impairment. Conducting and trying amblyopia therapy is ingenious in all cases. Other procedures (such as surgery in detachments of the central retina in optic disc pitches) should be considered dependend on the individual courses of visual function and on the particular circumstances in childhood.

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