Aqueduct stenosis and its effect on vision

The authors examined the visual function in 19 cases of non-tumoral aqueduct stenosis. Visual symptoms, acuity and fields were assessed, and optic disc abnormalities noted. Age at presentation ranged from three months to 59 years, and follow-up from ten months to 20 years. Although only two of 19 patients presented with visual symptoms, 13 patients were found to have ophthalmic involvement on careful examination. A high proportion of post-operative patients reported ophthalmic symptoms when ventricular shunt blockage occurred. A classification of the degree of visual involvement has been devised. It was concluded that every patient with aqueduct stenosis should undergo regular ophthalmic examination, which provides a readily quantifiable assessment of progress in most cases.