What is Septo-Optic Dysplasia?
Septo-optic
dysplasia (SOD) is a rare disorder characterized by abnormal
development of the optic disk, pituitary deficiencies, and often
agenesis (absence) of the septum pellucidum (the part of the brain that
separates the anterior horns or the lateral ventricles of the brain).
Symptoms may include blindness in one or both eyes, pupil dilation in
response to light, nystagmus (a rapid, involuntary to-and-fro movement
of the eyes), inward and outward deviation of the eyes, hypotonia (low
muscle tone), and hormonal problems. Seizures may also occur. In a few
cases, jaundice (prolonged yellow skin discoloration) may occur at
birth. Intellectual problems vary in severity among individuals. While
some children with SOD have normal intelligence, others have learning
disabilities and mental retardation. Most, however, are developmentally
delayed due to vision impairment or neurological problems.
