What is optic nerve hypoplasia?

• A. Very small optic nerve head with visual deficits (blindness)
• B. Optic disc smaller in diameter than normal WITHOUT vision loss
• C. Progressive retinal atrophy
• D. Hypertensive chorioretinopathy

Answer: (A)

Optic nerve hypoplasia is a congenital underdevelopment of the optic nerve, resulting in a very small optic nerve head (disc) with fewer retinal nerve fibers. This structural deficiency disrupts signal transmission to the brain, so vision is typically reduced and can range from partial impairment to blindness. The description that fits best is a very small optic nerve head with visual deficits. A disc that’s small without vision loss doesn’t fit as well, since ONH usually affects vision. Progressive retinal atrophy is a retinal degeneration, not an underdeveloped optic nerve, and hypertensive chorioretinopathy involves retinal vascular changes from high blood pressure rather than congenital nerve hypoplasia.