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Myelinated retinal nerve fibers
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|January 1, 1981
Summary
Myelinated nerve fibers in the retina, a rare finding in 0.54% of eyes, can appear as white patches. While often asymptomatic, some cases present with vision defects or a specific syndrome involving myopia and amblyopia.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuropathology
Background:
- Myelinated nerve fibers are a normal component of the optic nerve but typically absent in the retinal nerve fiber layer.
- Congenital myelination of retinal nerve fibers is a rare anomaly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence, morphology, and clinical significance of myelinated nerve fibers in the retina.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 3,968 autopsies and 7,936 eyes.
- Morphological examination using light and electron microscopy.
- Clinical evaluation of affected patients, including ophthalmoscopy, visual field testing, and fluorescein angiography.
Main Results:
- Myelinated retinal nerve fibers were found in 0.54% of eyes, appearing as white, striated patches.
- Microscopically, these lesions consist of myelinated axons within the retina.
- Clinically, most cases were asymptomatic with normal angiography, but four patients exhibited a syndrome of myopia, amblyopia, and strabismus.
Conclusions:
- Myelinated retinal nerve fibers are an uncommon congenital anomaly with variable clinical presentations.
- While often benign, a specific syndrome associated with visual impairment warrants further investigation.