Identified as early as 1884 by Magnus, optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) is a congenital malformation consisting of small, underdeveloped optic discs causing visual impairment from birth. ONH is non-progressive and varies widely in severity, ranging from near normal central visual acuity to no-light perception in severe cases. Though typically found bilaterally, ONH may be present unilaterally as well. ONH accounts for approximately 15-25% of severe vision loss in infants and, when bilateral, 80% of patients fall into the classification of legal blindness.  

      Relating to the miswiring and maldevelopment of the central nervous system, the diagnosis of ONH has broad implications impacting ocular, neurological, and hormonal systems. Often first detected through ophthalmological evaluation, management of ONH requires a multidisciplinary approach and meticulous management due to frequently associated endocrinopathy, brain malformations, and developmental delays. Although no cure for ONH exists, timely intervention may minimize the impact of vision loss and generally improve development in these children. 

      Childhood glaucoma — also termed pediatric glaucoma, infantile glaucoma, or congenital glaucoma

      Eye and brain: The syndrome of optic nerve hypoplasia is known to be a miswiring of axons in the optic nerve often associated with miswiring elsewhere in the brain, especially the hypothalamus and midline structures. 

      Early knowledge: Any child potentially demonstrating poor visual function, nystagmus, or strabismus should have a eye examination by 3 months of age. In cases where ONH is diagnosed or suspected, an MRI and endocrinologic evaluation is warranted. 

      Eye examinations should be conducted at least annually to properly correct refractive errors, manage strabismus and amblyopia, and treat any other ocular conditions present. Parents should be thoroughly educated on ONH, associated conditions, aboutprognosis and developmental expectations. 

      Childhood glaucoma — also termed pediatric glaucoma, infantile glaucoma, or congenital glaucoma

      Visual Symptoms Caused By ONH

      The symptoms associated with optic nerve hypoplasia are varied and include:

      Decreased visual acuity
      It ranges from almost normal to no light perception

      Light avoidance and mild photophobia. Peripheral vision is often affected

      Nystagmus
      it may occur in different forms 𑁋 jerk, pendular, or both

      Ocular abnormalities 
      as microphthalmos, coloboma, strabismus, and high myopia

      Optic Nerve Hypoplasia. 
      Your Child Can See Better.

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      While there is still no established treatment for optic nerve hypoplasia, various medical therapies have been studied - without yet demonstrating definitive beneficial results.

      Our clinical study, conducted in Germany from 2007 to 2012, revealed the possibility of functional eyesight restoration. 

      Fedorov Therapy is meant to help your kid to regain eyesight naturally. Because children's brains are more easily molded, our therapy is directly beneficial to improving their visual acuity, contrast vision and enlarge field of vision. 

      Fedorov Restoration Therapy

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      Fedorov Restoration Therapy is a non-invasive and non-surgical way to naturally restore or improve vision, with stable outcomes and without risks of side effects. These positive outcomes are accomplished through the application of weak electrical current pulses which stimulate partially-damaged retinal cells and improve the conductivity of signals to the brain. Our therapy cannot replace damaged cells or regenerate optic nerves; instead it increases the functionality of preserved cells on the retina and enhances the activity of the entire visual system.

      Optic Nerve Hypoplasia - Treatment Benefits

      Considering that optic nerve hypoplasia affects patient’s eyesight and it is accompanied by developmental delays, our therapy is aimed to improve both of them - improved vision and progress in motor, speech and cognitive functions.  

      FAQ

      How does Fedorov Restoration Therapy work?
      Fedorov Therapy is based on a relatively new technology developed in the 1990s and used clinically since 1991. Repeated transorbital alternating current stimulation (rtACS) doesn’t require an operation or the implantation of electrodes in the eye. Fedorov Therapy isn’t aimed at the replacement of damaged cells, but instead is focused on increasing the usefulness of preserved neurons on the retina and on the improvement of conductivity along the optic nerve. Research has shown that, if such stimulation is performed over a period of several weeks, there’s significant activation of the visual system at all levels and throughout the brain. This new, functional state of the visual system is referred to as “induced plasticity.” Such plasticity is strongly needed to restore sight when there’s deterioration as a result of optic-nerve damage.
      Has the effectiveness of Fedorov Therapy been clinically proven?
      This technology was proven in large, multi-center trials conducted at clinical centers like Charite in Berlin and other major universities in Germany. These trials were designed as randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled evidence class Ib studies.
      How safe is Fedorov Therapy?

      The safety of this therapy was confirmed in clinical trials conducted in Germany in 2007 to 2013, and in a large group of patients treated in Russia in 1991 to 2004.

      Side effects from Fedorov Restoration Therapy may result when a patient has contraindications. If such contraindications are excluded, there is no risk of adverse effects on vision or any other functions. Some undesired effects such as tiredness, weakness, a short-lived headache and sleep disturbances have been observed, but do not require treatment.
      I have advanced optic nerve damage. Is there any chance my vision will improve with Fedorov Therapy?

      The expected results of Fedorov Restoration Therapy depend on many individual factors. Advanced optic-nerve damage requires several courses of therapy in combination with visual training to produce improvement. More than half of our patients have advanced damage, and, with our collective experience, we’ve been able to help them. Severe optic-nerve damage limits the possibility of significant improvement, but doesn’t exclude it. After your request, we’ll provide you with the list of medical records that we need to review your case.

      When can I expect to see a positive change in my vision?

      Initial positive changes can be observed during the first 10 sessions of Fedorov Therapy. With repeated visual-field tests, the degree of change can be estimated after two weeks. In most cases, you should see a stable improvement within four to eight weeks after the treatment. In the case of progressive vision deterioration (e.g., glaucoma), Fedorov Therapy is able to significantly slow down the progression of the condition or even stop it.
      The resulting improvement is typically stable. Follow-up results one year after treatment have shown 80% to 85% stable improvement. Instability can take place if there are factors that affect vision negatively, like elevated eye pressure for glaucoma patients.

      What can I expect my treatment to include?
      1. Before treatment begins, we have a comprehensive discussion with you about your options, and we perform a vision exam. Once we have the test results and understand the condition of your eyesight, we’ll provide you with a treatment plan. The possible results of the Fedorov Therapy are discussed with you at that time.
      2. Treatment sessions are performed over a two week period, from Monday to Friday. Each session’s duration is 60-90 minutes.
      3. Once your course of therapy is complete, you’re thoroughly examined and your results are discussed.
      4. We provide you with a Findings Report that includes the results of your ophthalmological exam. We also develop a Personalized Care Plan with possible strategies for the upcoming months, and customized for your specific needs.
      How do you whether Fedorov Restoration Therapy will help improve my vision?

      Our evaluation about the suitability of our medical services for you is free of charge.

      To determine if Fedorov Therapy will benefit you, we need to review your relevant medical records. Before doing so, however, we need to first rule out possible contraindications to our therapy. For that, a checklist must be completed; only after we review the information in your checklist, and confirm there are no contraindications, will we start a thorough review of your medical records. 

      Usually, our review of your medical condition is processed within two to three working days. At the very least, we’ll want to assess the following:  (a) ophthalmological reports with detailed results of eyesight evaluation; (b) visual field charts. In cases of extremely low vision, this may not be available; (c) other relevant records and test results such as optic nerve and retina OCT, brain MRI, or CT reports; (d) a narrative of the history of the vision problem written by you.

      If you don’t have copies of your history, we’ll ask you to obtain copies of your medical files from your healthcare provider. Our referral form will be provided on demand.

      If you aren’t able to send us the required package of medical information, but you feel that you are a candidate for Fedorov Therapy, we can still help. We will help to collect the required evaluations, ophthalmological tests and exams to determine if our treatment is right for you. You will be charged for that service.

      We have found that our services are not typically covered by insurance. We suggest that patients should be prepared for the out-of-pocket expense for the treatment. We can provide upon your request the cost of our services, testing and therapies.

      Does Fedorov Restoration Therapy improve quality of life?

      The improvement of quality of life is our main goal. We reach this through a combination of different medical approaches, such as Fedorov Therapy, visual training, and medications. Once the vision restoration treatment starts, many of our patients have a positive response. Keep in mind that increased quality of life can be achieved only if the patient follows our prescribed recommendations. If you entrust your treatment to us, a Personalized Care Plan will be provided; following our tested guidelines can increase your chances of significant vision restoration.

      Get in touch today