Definition:
Optic disc drusen is a condition in which globules of mucoproteins and mucopolysaccharides progressively harden in the optic disc. This condition is associated with vision loss of varying degree.
Diagnosis:
Oftentimes, optic disc drusen is diagnosed by chance. A fundoscopic examination reveals that the patient's optic disc is small and often missing the optic cup. A B-scan sonography effectively detects the drusen buried within the disc. It can also be detected by a computerized tomography.
Treatment:
Patients may be prescribed with prescribed eye drops that decrease the intra-ocular pressure and relieve mechanical stress on fibers of the optic disc. Patients rarely develop choroidal neovascular membranes adjacent to the optic disc that could bleed and inflict retinal scarring. This complication is prevented through laser treatment, photodynamic therapy, or other evolving therapies.
Symptoms and Signs:
Optic disc drusen is usually undetectable in children. But with age the drusen is exposed and more visible. The symptoms are relative to the visibility of the drusen. Most of the patients develop some peripheral field defects such as nasal step defects, enlarged blind spots, sectoral field loss, and altitudinal defects.
Causes:
Individuals with a family history of Optic disc drusen may acquire this condition. However, a small percentage of the population is also clinically diagnosed with the condition.
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