Optic Discs in Children With Cerebral Palsy

This study will provide prevalence data on the occurrence of optic nerve head cupping in children with static encephalopathy in a much larger cohort than previously reported in literature (the largest cohort in literature is n=35). Children with a large optic nerve cup are treated as "glaucoma suspects". A routine glaucoma work-up in a child includes an examination under anesthesia or sedation, since children are unable to co-operate and stay still for accurate intraocular pressure measurements. These procedures often have to be periodically repeated and are a major financial burden. Importantly, they also carry substantial health risks, especially to the premature neonate who needs ICU monitoring after any anesthesia procedure. Roughly half of the children who undergo an examination under anesthesia for suspicion of glaucoma are found not to have the disease.

Children with a diagnosis of static encephalopathy attending the Pediatric Neurology clinic will be recruited. Interested patients will undergo a routine dilated eye examination after obtaining the consent and assent. The optic nerve head parameters (size, shape, color, cup-disc ratio, vessel tortuosity) will be recorded by 2 ophthalmologists experienced in the evaluation of the optic nerve. Some of the children (who are physically able to sit up in a chair and look straight ahead without blinking) will be offered disc photographs. This will be a one-time examination done during the routine clinic visit.

The prevalence of optic disc cupping (≥ 0.5) in a population of children with static encephalopathy with onset from 24-36 weeks will be obtained. Comparison of the cup/disc ratio in the 2 groups of children based on the approximate timing of the neurological insult will also be done.

The results of this study may allow pediatric ophthalmologists and glaucoma specialists to spare a child with static encephalopathy and isolated optic nerve head cupping extensive, risky and expensive glaucoma work-up.

This study will also provide more information on the patho-physiology of the developing visual nervous system.