Myelinated Fibers

Myelinated retinal nerve fibers are a congenital condition characterized by the presence of myelin fibers that extend on to the retina adjacent to the optic nerve. On fundus examination they appear as bright white flame-shaped streaks, usually contiguous with the margin of the optic disc. The cause remains unknown.

Three different types of myelination have been described:

• Type 1 - along the superior temporal arcade
• Type 2 - along both the arcades
• Type 3 - with no contiguity with the disc

This condition is nonprogressive and it does not disappear or regress. It does not usually interfere with vision and it is observed as an isolated finding. However, various degrees of decreased vision and scotoma may occur when extensive myelination involves the...