Coloboma of Optic Nerve - Definition

Definition

Morning Glory syndrome is a congenital anomaly of the optic disc in which there is a funnel-shaped excavation of the posterior fundus incorporating the optic nerve, surrounded by an elevated annulus of chorioretinal pigment. The issue stems from an undeveloped optic nerve: while in utero, the nerve ending from the eye never reached the nerve ending from the brain. A central core of white glial tissue occupies the position of the normal optic cup, causing a white mass. When a picture is taken of the eye, this white mass stands out apart from the veins of the eyes, looking very much like the center of a Morning glory flower. Reflection from within the eye may give the appearance of a white pupil, due to the lack of the "black" optic nerve mass, although this "clouded pupil" cannot be used to diagnose the disease. Morning Glory Syndrome typically affects only one eye; but cases has been documented of bilateral Morning Glory Syndrome (those with that stage of severe blindness have other disorders as well, like autism). Also, this syndrome is different from an optic disc injury, as the disorder is present at birth and not developed later in life. Young girls are twice as likely to be diagnosed with this disorder, pointing toward the possibility of a genetic connection. Morning glory syndrome may be associated with Aicardi syndrome, a condition found exclusively in girls (lethal in males).