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Diagnosis



Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH)

 

Definition:
Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH) refers to the underdevelopment of the optic nerve during pregnancy. The dying back of optic nerve fibers as the child develops in utero is a natural process, and ONH may be an exaggeration of that process. ONH may occur infrequently in one eye (unilateral) but more commonly in both eyes (bilateral). ONH is not progressive, is not inherited, and cannot be cured. However, depending on the degree of visual impairment, a person with this condition may benefit from the use of devices for low vision. ONH is one of the three most common causes of visual impairment in children. The effects of ONH have a broad range, from little or no visual impairment to near-total blindness.
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Retinitis Pigmentosa

 

Definition:
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a degeneration of the retina, resulting in decreased night vision, a gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision, and in come cases, loss of central vision. The degeneration progresses over time and can lead to total blindness. RP is a rare, inherited disease for which there is as yet no treatment or cure. It is a genetic condition that can be inherited in various forms of transmittance but there are also many spontaneous cases of RP where there are no family members with this progressive disease. The retina is the light sensing tissue that lines the internal surface of the eye. It consists of millions of rod cells and cone cells. The cone cells are located in the central region of the retina and are responsible for detailed sight, color vision, and vision during the daylight. In contrast, the rod cells are lined on the periphery (side) of the retina and provide peripheral (side) vision, night vision, and visual clues for walking. RP affects a region of the rod and cone cells called the outer segments. The outer segments tend to accumulate too much metabolic waste, which is normally disposed of. Consequently, the retina appears pigmented with clumps of pigment. As the debris accumulates, the function of the rod and cone cells deteriorates.
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Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)

 

Definition:
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a condition associated with premature birth, in which the growth of normal blood vessels in the retina (a light-sensitive membrane in the back of the eye containing rods and cones that receive an image from the lens and send it to the brain through the optic nerve) stops, and abnormal blood vessels develop. As a result, the infant has an increased risk of detachment of the retina. ROP can lead to reduced vision or blindness.
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Strabismus

 

Definition:
Strabismus is a condition in which the eyes are not both directed toward the same point simultaneously. Strabismus occurs when eye muscles are not working together properly. It is most commonly inherited condition, but may also be caused by disease or injury. Strabismus most often begins in early childhood. It is sometimes called crossed-eyes, walleye, or squint.
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