¤Functional Vision Worksheet¤
Disease: Optic Nerve Hypoplasia
Condition: Congenital malformation where the optic nerve fails to develop (it
appears small and grey (often surrounded by a mottled yellow halo)
Etiology (cause): Prenatal neurological insult (the development of the optic nerve regresses)
· Maternal chronic alcohol or drug abuse
· Maternal diabetes
· Trauma
· Young maternal age (20 years of age or less)
Portion(s) of anatomy affected:
· Optic nerve
· Optic chiasm
· Pituitary dysfunction
· Corpus callosum
· Absence of the septum pellucidum (the connection between the hemispheres of
the brian)
Category of Vision Loss:
· Reduced visual acuity (ranging from mild to severe)
Resulting effect on vision:
1. Can be accompanied by nystagmus, microphthalmia, or colobomas
2. Problems with spaitial orientation
3. Variable field defects
4. There may be no light perception
5. There may be a peripheral field impairment ranging from:
a. Loss of detailed vision in both central andperipheral fields
b. Subtle peripheral field loss.
6. Possible light sensitivity (mild)
7. Squinting
Examples of potential situations where decreased visual function may occur
1. It may be difficult for a student to concentrate if a teacher stands in front of a
busy background due to a lack of ability to distinguish contrast.
2. If an object is presented outside of a student’s visual field, they will need to move
or turn their head. Teachers should be aware of student’s field loss, and should
seat students appropriately so that materials are presented within their field of
vision.
3. It may be impossible for a student to read small print text. Offer large print or
braille.
4. It may be difficult for a student to participate in an outdoor fitness activity if they
have sensitivity to light. This may cause the student to squint and lower their
head. Wearing tinted glasses may be helpful.