Optic nerve atrophy in children

Right after the baby was born, it examined by a specialist to detect a variety of congenital diseases. Assesses Apgar, to evaluate response to various external stimuli. Child examined by a doctor, especially if the parents have vision problems. What does it do? It is desirable to identify the disease as early as possible, to take all measures for its treatment.

One such disease is atrophy of the optic nerve. The so-called death of nerve fibers as a result of various reasons and its replacement by connective tissue. Often it develops independently, and is a consequence of other diseases. And they can be quite a lot.

In children is common hereditary factor, when some pathology passed on from parents to children. This may also include and various intoxications, inflammatory processes in the brain, swelling of the brain, diseases of the eyeball, pathology of gestation, diseases of the nervous system, hydrocephalus, tumors, deformities of the skull, injuries.

As the disease manifests itself in children

In this disease the characteristic symptom is disturbances of visual function. Initial symptoms you may notice in the first days of baby's life for doctors. Examines the pupils of the child is determined by reaction to light, studied, as a child follows the movement of bright objects in the hand of the doctor or mother.

Indirect signs of atrophy of the optic nerve is the lack of response of the pupil to light, pupil dilation, lack of security in a child object. This disease with insufficient attention to it can lead to decreased visual acuity, and even blindness. The disease may manifest not only at birth but also when the children are older. The main symptoms are:

· Reduction of visual acuity which is not corrected with glasses, lenses;

· Loss of individual sections of the view;

· Changes of color perception – affects perception of color vision;

· Change peripheral vision – she sees only those things that are right in front of him and sees the ones that are a little to the side. Develops the so-called tunnel syndrome.

When complete atrophy of the optic nerve occurs blind, partial nerve damage vision just reduced.

Congenital atrophy of view

Atrophy of the optic nerve ishereditary nature and is often accompanied by decreased visual acuity almost blind from a very early age. When viewed by an ophthalmologist, a thorough examination of the baby, which involves the study of the fundus, visual acuity, measurement of intraocular pressure. If you notice signs of atrophy establish the cause of the disease, determine the level of damage to the nerve fibers.

Diagnosis congenital atrophy of the optic nerve

Diagnosis of the disease in children is not always easy. They are not always and not everyone can complain that they have poor eyesight. This suggests how important it is to place children preventive examinations. Pediatricians and ophthalmologists according to the testimony, constantly visiting children, but is always important the observer child is the mother. She first must say that with the baby something was wrong and to see a specialist. And the doctor will appoint an examination and then treatment.

Studies:

· Examination of the eye fundus;

· Check visual acuity, determined by the field of view;

· Measured intraocular pressure;

· According to the testimony of medical radiography.

The treatment of the disease

The basic principle of treatment – the sooner treatment is started, the it has a favorable prognosis. If left untreated, the prognosis single – blind. Depending on the identified causes, treatment of the underlying disease. If necessary, appointed by surgery.

Of medicines include:

· Medications to improve blood flow to the optic nerve;

· Vasodilators;

· Vitamins;

· Bio-stimulating drugs;

· Enzymes.

Of prescribe physiotherapy: ultrasound, acupuncture, laterotemporal, electrostimulation, oxygen therapy, electrophoresis. However, in the congenital nature of the disease is not always possible to rectify the situation, especially with late appeal for medical help. All the drugs appoints only the attending physician, to the neighbors treatment is not necessary to address. Im prescribed treatment doctor, so you have to let them be only your preparations.

The prognosis of atrophy of the optic nerve in children

Timely begun treatment forecast is favorable, given that children damaged tissues more amenable to rehabilitation than adults. At the slightest vision problems in children should be referred to a specialist. Let this be a false alarm, after all, better once againconsult and ask your doctor, it is not clear a little, than then long and futile treatment. Children's health in the hands of their parents.