Dr.DURGA NAGA SUSHMITHA JASTI

Dr. KOWSALYA AKKAYASAMY

Abstract

Optic nerve atrophy is an alarming sign,directing an ophthalmologist attention towards a serious systemic condition,which inturn can impair a child’s overall development.A retrospective study was done to evaluate the aetiology and clinical features in children <15 years of age diagnosed with optic atrophy during one year at a teritary eye care centre.Out of 40 children (80 eyes),47.5% presented with defective vision,12.5% with defective vision and strabismus.Mean age at presentation was 8.3 years.Mean visual acuity at presentation was 6/60.Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy was noted in 30%,which was the most frequent cause followed by idiopathic in 15%,compressive etiology in 10%,congenital in 10%,inflammatory in 10%,hydrocephalus in 7.5% and various other etiologies.Our study throws light on the prevalent causes of childhood optic atrophy in Indian population which can aid in timely intervention & appropriate rehabilitation to improve the functional potential of these children.