{"title":"Update on Congenital Cranial Dysinnervation Disorders (CCDDs).","authors":"Kathleen Aufderheide, Mary C Whitman","doi":"10.1097/IIO.0000000000000602","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/IIO.0000000000000602","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Congenital cranial dysinnervation disorders (CCDDs) are a group of rare, nonprogressive conditions characterized by abnormal development of the cranial motor nerves and variable ocular motility deficits, ptosis, incomitant strabismus, and facial palsy. Advances in genetics and neuroimaging have revealed that these disorders result from defects in neuronal differentiation or axon guidance of the cranial motor neurons. Duane retraction syndrome, the most common CCDD, results from the absence of the abducens nerve and innervation of the lateral rectus by oculomotor nerve axons; causative genes include CHN1, MAFB, HOXA1, SALL4, and EBF3, although most cases do not have a genetic diagnosis. Congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscles (CFEOM), results from variants in KIF21A, PHOX2A, TUBB3, or other tubulin genes, and affects the oculomotor and trochlear nerves. Horizontal gaze palsy with progressive scoliosis (HGPPS), caused by ROBO3 loss of function, arises from failure of axonal midline crossing in the brainstem. Moebius syndrome, defined by abducens and facial nerve palsies, has no identified genetic cause and may result from non-Mendelian causes. Additional CCDDs with atypical or syndromic presentations are linked to COL25A1, ECEL1, and ACKR3, although many do not have a genetic explanation. The expanding list of CCDD-associated genes highlights shared developmental pathways, including neuronal differentiation, axon guidance, and microtubule dynamics. Improved genetic diagnosis informs prognosis and multidisciplinary management. This review synthesizes current understanding of CCDDs, emphasizing the shift from phenotypic classification to molecular subtyping, and underscores the importance of ongoing research to resolve genetically unsolved cases and refine diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":14338,"journal":{"name":"International Ophthalmology Clinics","volume":"66 2","pages":"180-186"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147498945","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Nonorganic Ophthalmic Conditions in Children.","authors":"Fannie Nadeau, Mathieu Fradet, Shannon Beres","doi":"10.1097/IIO.0000000000000607","DOIUrl":"10.1097/IIO.0000000000000607","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nonorganic neuro-ophthalmic disorders present with visual or ocular motor symptoms that are incompatible with a causal organic pathophysiology. This review summarizes modern terminology, clinical presentation, prognosis, and epidemiology of these conditions. This review also proposes a stepwise approach for managing nonorganic ophthalmic conditions in children and adolescents. Recommendations are offered to help clinicians perform a complete ophthalmological examination, identify the functional consequences of the disorder, briefly evaluate the psychosocial context, present the diagnosis, and offer education about the condition. The importance of multidisciplinary collaboration is emphasized in more complex cases. Practical recommendations are offered to facilitate collaboration with mental health professionals and to support the rehabilitation process. This review also offers recommendations to help clinicians communicate with patients and families.</p>","PeriodicalId":14338,"journal":{"name":"International Ophthalmology Clinics","volume":"66 2","pages":"171-179"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147498901","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Evaluation of a Child With Optic Atrophy.","authors":"Kyle Hatley Koester, Lauren Claire Ditta","doi":"10.1097/IIO.0000000000000608","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/IIO.0000000000000608","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Optic atrophy is an optic neuropathy that results from permanent damage to the axons and retinal ganglion cells of the optic nerve, causing irreversible vision loss. Optic atrophy is a major cause of vision loss in children worldwide and has many etiologies. Herein, we gather and explain the common etiologies of pediatric optic atrophy and provide insights on history-taking, examination, workup, and clinical decision-making for the general ophthalmologist. We highlight the importance of a comprehensive approach to evaluation and coordination of care for vision services in children with irreversible vision loss.</p>","PeriodicalId":14338,"journal":{"name":"International Ophthalmology Clinics","volume":"66 2","pages":"94-109"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147498876","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Evaluation of the Child With Nystagmus: What to Do in the Age of Genetic Testing.","authors":"Moutaz Rawashdeh, Veeral S Shah","doi":"10.1097/IIO.0000000000000618","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/IIO.0000000000000618","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Childhood nystagmus is a complex clinical presentation with diverse underlying mechanisms. While eye movement characterization aids description, it is often insufficient for establishing etiology. Accurate diagnosis relies on a structured evaluation that integrates careful clinical assessment with ancillary testing and genetic analysis. Recent advances in genetic testing have reshaped the diagnostic paradigm, allowing identification of molecular causes in an increasing proportion of children, refining prognostic counseling, and influencing clinical management. Ancillary studies-including electrophysiology, optical coherence tomography, and neuroimaging-remain essential in guiding and interpreting genetic results. This review outlines a practical neuro-ophthalmic framework for evaluating children with nystagmus, emphasizing the complementary role of genetic testing within a comprehensive, clinically driven diagnostic approach.</p>","PeriodicalId":14338,"journal":{"name":"International Ophthalmology Clinics","volume":"66 2","pages":"211-218"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147498898","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hannah Rose Hashimi Tea, Keely Roberson, Mays El-Dairi
{"title":"Using Optical Coherence Tomography in Pediatric Neuro-ophthalmology.","authors":"Hannah Rose Hashimi Tea, Keely Roberson, Mays El-Dairi","doi":"10.1097/IIO.0000000000000615","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/IIO.0000000000000615","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has transformed adult neuro-ophthalmology, but pediatric adoption has lagged because of perceived technical, financial, and practical barriers. This chapter provides a pragmatic framework for integrating OCT into pediatric and pediatric neuro-ophthalmology clinics, emphasizing how to obtain reliable images in awake children and how to interpret them. We first review technical aspects of tabletop and handheld OCT in children, including positioning, fixation strategies, and when to prioritize single-line macular or optic nerve head B-scans over full segmented protocols. We then outline key clinical modalities: single-line foveal scans for \"in vivo histology\" and ganglion cell layer/inner nuclear layer (GCL/INL) ratio screening; single-line optic nerve head (ONH) scans to assess Bruch membrane contour and opening size; ONH cube maps for papilledema versus pseudopapilledema; macular cube maps with segmentation to detect retinotopic patterns of GCL loss; and strategies to correct RNFL interpretation for axial length. Using a structured table-based approach, we show how combined RNFL and GCL measurements narrow the differential diagnosis and guide urgency and systemic workup in children with decreased vision and normal, swollen, or atrophic optic nerves. Disease-focused sections illustrate OCT applications in papilledema, pseudopapilledema, optic neuritis, neuroretinitis, optic pathway glioma, optic atrophy (including INL microcysts), infantile nystagmus, and congenital optic nerve anomalies. Throughout, we highlight pitfalls such as pseudonormalization of the RNFL, segmentation errors in high-grade edema or anomalous discs, and misinterpretation in highly ametropic eyes. The chapter aims to make OCT a routine, child-friendly extension of the neuro-ophthalmic exam.</p>","PeriodicalId":14338,"journal":{"name":"International Ophthalmology Clinics","volume":"66 2","pages":"140-164"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147498992","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Victoria Cegielski, Meagan Y Shinbashi, Gillian R Paton
{"title":"Updates on Pediatric Optic Neuritis.","authors":"Victoria Cegielski, Meagan Y Shinbashi, Gillian R Paton","doi":"10.1097/IIO.0000000000000605","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/IIO.0000000000000605","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Optic neuritis is a central demyelinating disease that can significantly affect vision. Favorable outcomes are contingent on prompt recognition, work-up, and treatment. Understanding key differentiations in the pediatric population compared with adults is necessary for accurate and timely diagnosis. Recent studies highlighting these distinctions have deepened insight into clinical variabilities in presentation, as well as neurological associations, treatments, and prognostic factors. Ongoing collaborative studies continue to shed light on the main considerations guiding research on this topic. This review provides a general overview of pediatric optic neuritis and spotlights the contributions that have significantly enhanced understanding in the field.</p>","PeriodicalId":14338,"journal":{"name":"International Ophthalmology Clinics","volume":"66 2","pages":"110-114"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147499015","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Autoimmune Optic Neuropathy: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapeutic Advances.","authors":"Yan Yan","doi":"10.1097/IIO.0000000000000596","DOIUrl":"10.1097/IIO.0000000000000596","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Autoimmune optic neuropathy (AON) encompasses a heterogeneous group of immune-mediated optic nerve inflammatory disorders, characterized by progressive or recurrent visual loss with or without optic disc edema, and distinct autoantibody profiles and neuroimaging features. This review synthesizes current knowledge on AON, highlighting key advances in the discovery of disease-specific biomarkers [eg, aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-IgG for NMOSD, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-IgG for MOG-associated disease (MOGAD), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-IgG for astrocytopathy], while neuroimaging and optical coherence tomography (OCT) aid subtype differentiation. Therapeutically, acute management relies on high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP), with plasma exchange for steroid-refractory cases; long-term maintenance is subtype-tailored. Prognosis varies by subtype, with MOG-ON showing better recovery than AQP4-ON, and CRMP5-IgG-associated ON carrying poor outcomes. Even with breakthroughs in pathogenetic understanding and targeted treatments, challenges reinforce the importance of continued interdisciplinary research to optimize AON management.</p>","PeriodicalId":14338,"journal":{"name":"International Ophthalmology Clinics","volume":"66 1","pages":"30-36"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145809833","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder.","authors":"Negar Moheb, John J Chen","doi":"10.1097/IIO.0000000000000595","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/IIO.0000000000000595","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a severe autoimmune disease that predominantly affects the optic nerves and spinal cord, which is a distinct disease process from multiple sclerosis (MS) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody-associated disease. The most common neuro-ophthalmologic manifestation of NMOSD is atypical optic neuritis (ON), characterized by severe vision loss with a higher propensity toward bilateral involvement, longitudinal enhancement of the optic nerve, and chiasmal involvement than MS-related optic neuritis. Due to the severity of disease, high recurrence rate, and significant risk of permanent deficits, early recognition of neuro-ophthalmologic signs and short- and long-term management with immunosuppressive therapies is critical. In this article, we will review the characteristic neuro-ophthalmologic findings in NMOSD, serologic markers, neuroimaging findings, and current approaches to both acute and long-term treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":14338,"journal":{"name":"International Ophthalmology Clinics","volume":"66 1","pages":"6-11"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145809915","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Myasthenia Gravis - An Updated Review.","authors":"Shruthi Harish Bindignavile","doi":"10.1097/IIO.0000000000000600","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/IIO.0000000000000600","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neuromuscular junction (NMJ) disorder characterized by fatigable weakness in skeletal and ocular muscles. The etiology is the presence of autoimmune antibodies against postsynaptic acetylcholine receptors (AChR) or other muscle-specific proteins. The result is muscle end plate dysfunction and weakness. While symptoms may be limited to ocular muscles (ocular MG/OMG), systemic generalization of symptoms (generalized MG/gMG) can frequently occur. Diagnosis relies on a history of fluctuating weakness, diurnal variation in muscle strength, physical examination signs of fluctuating muscle weakness, supported by serology and electrophysiologic studies. In its most severe form, called myasthenic crisis, weakness can involve respiratory muscles, and can cause life-threatening hypoxemia needing critical care monitoring and invasive ventilation. Management of MG is multimodal and may need a combination of acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors, immunomodulators such as steroids, and steroid-sparing agents, intravenous agents, such as intravenous immunoglobulin, or plasma exchange, rarely needing surgical options such as thymectomy. Recent advances have added novel therapeutics as viable treatment options.</p>","PeriodicalId":14338,"journal":{"name":"International Ophthalmology Clinics","volume":"66 1","pages":"55-61"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145809996","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sanjana Jaiswal, Samir A Cayenne, Andrew G Lee, Karl Golnik
{"title":"Ocular and Neuro-Ophthalmic Manifestations of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy.","authors":"Sanjana Jaiswal, Samir A Cayenne, Andrew G Lee, Karl Golnik","doi":"10.1097/IIO.0000000000000604","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/IIO.0000000000000604","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is an immune-mediated neuropathy characterized by demyelination and axonal injury of peripheral nerves. While its hallmark presentation involves progressive sensorimotor deficits, an underrecognized subset of patients develop ocular and neuro-ophthalmic manifestations. These include optic neuritis, optic atrophy, vision loss, ophthalmoplegia, extraocular muscle enlargement with proptosis, intracranial hypertension, and corneal small fiber pathology. Electrophysiologic and imaging studies, including visual evoked potentials, optical coherence tomography, and corneal confocal microscopy, have further revealed subclinical involvement of the optic nerve and retina, underscoring an expanded disease spectrum beyond classic peripheral neuropathy. The pathophysiology is multifactorial, involving demyelination, inflammatory cell infiltration, and immune-mediated axonal injury, with evidence suggesting potential central nervous system and cranial nerve involvement. These atypical manifestations often mimic disorders such as multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, or thyroid eye disease, complicating early diagnosis. Importantly, most cases respond to standard immunomodulatory therapies, including intravenous immunoglobulin, corticosteroids, and plasma exchange. Advances in ocular imaging and biomarker discovery provide promising avenues for earlier detection and monitoring of neuro-ophthalmic involvement. Recognition of ocular features in CIDP is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment. Interdisciplinary collaboration between neurologists and ophthalmologists can prevent vision-threatening complications, refine diagnostic accuracy, and optimize long-term outcomes. Future studies are warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying ocular involvement and to evaluate emerging targeted therapies that may improve prognosis in these atypical but clinically significant phenotypes.</p>","PeriodicalId":14338,"journal":{"name":"International Ophthalmology Clinics","volume":"66 1","pages":"37-42"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145810013","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}