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Optic atrophy in prematurity: pathophysiology and clinical features
Daniel Ar Scott1, Michael Tm Wang1, Helen V Danesh-Meyer1
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
Insights
Prematurity is an increasing cause of pediatric optic atrophy, leading to vision impairment. Healthcare providers should consider premature birth history in evaluations.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
- Neonatology
Background:
- Optic atrophy is a significant cause of childhood visual impairment.
- The causes of optic atrophy have evolved, with technological advancements aiding understanding.
- Recent trends show a rise in prematurity-related optic atrophy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the increasing role of prematurity in pediatric optic atrophy.
- To underscore the need for better research methodologies in this field.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on pediatric optic atrophy.
- Analysis of trends in etiological profiles over time.
- Identification of limitations in current research.
Main Results:
- An increasing prevalence of optic atrophy linked to prematurity has been observed.
- This trend correlates with increased rates of premature births and improved neonatal survival.
- Current studies are limited by sample size, heterogeneity, and bias.
Conclusions:
- Prematurity is a growing concern in pediatric optic atrophy.
- Larger, well-designed studies are needed to confirm this association.
- Screening for premature birth history is crucial in evaluating children with optic atrophy.
Abstract:
Optic atrophy is an important cause of visual impairment in children, and the aetiological profile has changed over time. Technological advancements led by neuroimaging of the visual pathway and imaging of the optic nerve with optical coherence tomography have accelerated the understanding of this condition. In the new millennium, an increasing prevalence of prematurity as a cause of optic atrophy in children has been highlighted. This new shift has been linked with increasing rates of premature births and improved neonatal survival of preterm infants. The available literature is limited to hospital and registry-based cohorts with modest sample sizes, methodological heterogeneity and selection bias limitations. Larger studies that are better designed are required to better understand the contribution of prematurity to the disease burden. In addition to considering other life-threatening aetiologies, screening for premature birth should be covered as part of a comprehensive history when evaluating a child with paediatric optic atrophy.
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