Walsh & Hoyt: Optic Nerve Hypoplasia

Optic nerve hypoplasia is an anomaly that, until recently, escaped the scrutiny of even the most meticulous observers. It was not until the late 1960s that its clinical description became commonplace. Optic nerve hypoplasia is now unquestionably the most common optic disc anomaly encountered in ophthalmologic practice. The dramatic increase in prevalence of optic nerve hypoplasia primarily reflects its greater recognition by clinicians. Many cases of optic nerve hypoplasia that previously went unrecognized or were misconstrued as congenital optic atrophy are now correctly diagnosed. In addition, some investigators believe that parenteral drug and alcohol abuse, which have become more widespread in recent years, may also be contributing to an increasing prevalence of optic nerve hypoplasia.