Optic Disc Drusen: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Overview

What are optic disc drusen?

• Deposits in the optic disc of the eyes, made up of fatty proteins and calcium.
• The term 'drusen' is derived from a German word meaning 'geodes' or 'rocks.'
• Occur in the optic disc, the front part of the optic nerve located in the retina.
• Can be unilateral (one eye) or bilateral (both eyes), with bilateral being more common (75%).
• May cause vision loss, though there's no cure or typical treatment required.

Prevalence

• Occur in 1% to 2% of the U.S. population.
• Affect males and females equally.
• More prevalent in white individuals.

Symptoms and Causes

Signs and Symptoms

• Often asymptomatic; detected during regular eye exams.
• 87% may have visual field defects, such as:
  • Large blind spots
  • Gray or blurry vision temporarily
  • Loss of peripheral vision
  • Visible white or yellow lumps on optic discs (an ophthalmologist can see these during an examination).

Causes

• Formed by deposits of fatty proteins and other substances.
• Exact cause is unclear; some cases might be hereditary.

Diagnosis and Tests

• Discovered during routine exams and confirmed with:
  • Visual field testing
  • Optical coherence tomography
  • Ultrasound
  • CT scan
  • Fluorescein angiography
  • Fundus autofluorescence (uses body's own lipofuscin)

Management and Treatment

• No known surgery or cure.
• Treatments are not typically required unless associated with other conditions.

Prevention

• No known preventative measures.

Outlook / Prognosis

• Generally good prognosis, but potential loss of peripheral vision.
• Rare complications may include:
  • Choroidal neovascular membranes causing central vision loss
  • Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
  • Retinal vascular occlusions
• Not typically dangerous but possibly linked with other disorders.

Living With

• Regular vision testing is important.
• Seek healthcare provider consultation for any vision changes.

Additional Common Questions

Differentiating Conditions

• Papilledema vs. Optic Disc Drusen
  • Papilledema: swelling due to high intracranial pressure, a medical emergency.
  • Optic Disc Drusen (pseudopapilledema): may make optic nerve head appear swollen.
• Optic Disc Drusen vs. Glaucoma
  • Both affect visual field, can co-occur. Correct diagnosis is essential as glaucoma requires treatment.
• Optic Disc Drusen vs. Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP)
  • RP patients have higher rates of optic disc drusen.
• Optic Disc Drusen in Noonan Syndrome
  • Genetic disorder possibly linked with optic disc drusen.

Note

• Keep track of vision changes and consult healthcare providers.
• Cleveland Clinic offers comprehensive ophthalmology services.