Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 16, 2026
Using Optical Coherence Tomography and Optokinetic Response As Structural and Functional Visual System Readouts in Mice and Rats
Published on: January 10, 2019
Optical Coherence Tomography in Optic Nerve Hypoplasia: Correlation With Optic Disc Diameter, Nerve Fiber Layer
John P Kelly1, Francine Baran, James O Phillips
1Roger H. Johnson Vision Lab (JPK, FB, JOP, AHW), Division of Ophthalmology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington; Department of Ophthalmology (JPK, FB, AHW), University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington; and Department of Otolaryngology (JOP), University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington.
Optic disc diameter correlates with retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and visual function in children with optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) and nystagmus. OCT imaging provides objective data for optic disc diameter in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) is a congenital condition affecting vision.
- The relationship between optic disc diameter (DD) and visual function in ONH with nystagmus is not well understood.
- Assessing visual function in pediatric ONH patients with nystagmus presents challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between optic disc diameters (DDs) and average retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT).
- To determine the relationship between DDs, RNFLT, and visual function (visual acuity, VEPs) in children with ONH and nystagmus.
- To evaluate the utility of OCT imaging for obtaining objective DD measurements in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 28 children with ONH and nystagmus.
- Optic DD measurement using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and confocal laser ophthalmoscopy.
- Average RNFLT assessment via circumpapillary b-scans and eccentric measurements.
- Visual function evaluation through visual acuity and visual evoked potentials (VEPs).
Main Results:
- Optic DD showed significant correlations with average RNFLT (r=0.61) and visual function (visual acuity r=0.32, VEPs r=0.66).
- A formula was derived: average RNFLT (μm) = 0.074 * DD (μm) - 18.8.
- Subnormal visual acuity was observed in all patients with DD <1,000 μm, and subnormal VEPs in those with DD <1,200 μm.
Conclusions:
- Optic disc diameter is a significant correlate of RNFLT and visual function in children with ONH.
- OCT imaging provides objective and reliable optic disc diameter measurements in children with nystagmus.
- These findings enhance understanding of ONH pathophysiology and visual impairment.
