Future Reflections Special Issue: Low Vision and Blindness 2005
Editor’s Note: This information is reprinted with permission of the Visually Impaired Preschool Services (VIPS), 1229 Garvin Place, Louisville, KY 40203(502) 636-3207, <www.vips.org>.
ALBINISM
Albinism involves the absence or reduction of pigment in the eyes, skin, and
hair. It may affect only the eyes. Effects on vision may include decreased visual
acuity, photophobia, nystagmus, and strabismus.
ANIRIDIA
Aniridia is a hereditary condition where the iris of the eye is underdeveloped.
The effects on vision include decreased visual acuity, photophobia, nystagmus,
cataracts, and underdeveloped retinas.
CATARACTS
A congenital cataract is a hereditary condition in which there is opacity of
the lens. The effects on vision include decreased visual acuity, photophobia,
nystagmus, cataracts, and underdeveloped retinas.
COLOBOMA
Coloboma is a hereditary condition in which various parts of the eye may be
deformed. The effects on vision include decreased acuity, nystagmus, and strabismus.
CORTICAL VISUAL IMPAIRMENT (CVI)
Cortical visual impairment is a result of damage to the vision center of the
brain due to trauma, anoxia, or malformation. The effects on vision include
decreased acuity, nystagmus, and strabismus.
GLAUCOMA
Congenital glaucoma is a hereditary condition in which the tissue of the eye
is damaged from increased intraocular pressure. The effects on vision include
excessive tearing, photophobia, opacity or haze on the lens, buphthalmos, poor
visual acuity, and constricted visual fields.
OPTIC NERVE ATROPHY
Optic nerve atrophy is caused by damage to the optic nerve. It can be hereditary
or may result from trauma, inadequate blood or oxygen supply before or shortly
after birth, or hydrocephalus. Effects on vision include decreased visual acuity,
decreased central vision, decreased sensitivity in all visual fields, and nystagmus.
OPTIC NERVE HYPOPLASIA (ONH)
ONH is generally of unknown cause. It may appear by itself or in conjunction
with neurological or hormonal abnormalities. The effects on vision may include
decreased visual acuity, peripheral field loss, poor depth perception, and mild
photophobia.
NYSTAGMUS
Nystagmus is an involuntary, rhythmic side-to-side or up-and-down eye movement
that often accompanies other visual disorders.
RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY (ROP)
Retinopathy of prematurity is a condition in which the retinas are scarred due
to an unusual growth of blood vessels in the retina and vitreous. This is usually
found in premature infants, but may also be found in full-term infants. The
effects on vision include retinal detachments, severe myopia, decreased visual
acuity, and blindness.
For more detailed definitions and descriptions, the U.S. National Library of
Medicine and the National Institute of Health sponsors a medical dictionary
at: <http://medlineplus.gov/>.