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Abstract #8277 Published in IGR 4-3
Optic disc drusen
Auw-Haedrich C; Staubach F; Witschel HSurvey of Ophthalmology 2002; 47: 515-532
Optic disc drusen occur in 3.4-24 per 1000 population and are bilateral in approximately 75%. Disturbance in the axonal metabolism in the presence of a small scleral canal, regardless of eye length, is considered to be responsible for their development. The drusen increase in size, becoming more visible with age, due to continuing calcium apposition, and they are associated with visual field defects in a considerable number of patients. Patients do not usually notice these defects, despite their progressive nature over the years, and this indicates an insidious course. A correct diagnostic of optic disc drusen is mandatory, although effective treatment is not yet available. it is most important to differentiate optic disc drusen from papilledema in order to avoid unnecessary neurological examinations, but also to avoid overlooking genuine neurological disorders. Because optic disc drusen can cause severe visual defects, patients require individual consultation regarding work issues and whether or not to drive. Optic disc drusen can be accompanied by vascular complications as well. In some cases, these vascular changes, for example, choroidal neovascularization, are treatable. patients with optic disc drusen should undergo regular visual field, intraocular pressure (IOP), and nerve fiber layer examinations. In patients with deteriorating visual field and borderline IOP, the authors recommend antiglaucomatous therapy.
C. Auw-Haedrich, MD, Universitäts-Augenklinik, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Classification:
10 Differential diagnosis e.g. anterior and posterior ischemic optic neuropathy