Optical coherence tomography in the evaluation of disc edema

Abstract

Optic disc oedema is a common clinical problem where the ophthalmologist plays an important role in the diagnosis, management. Many optic nerve diseases can cause disc oedema like papilloedema, papillitis, anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy, central retinal vein occlusion, optic nerve head drusen etc. It is important to differentiate pseudoneuritis as in hypermetropia from true disc oedema. The clinical features, fundus examination sometimes may not give the correct diagnosis. Fundus fluorescein angiogram helps to differentiate pseudo from true disc oedema. However it is an invasive procedure. With newer technologies like optical coherence tomography which helps to image the optic disc, it is possible to differentiate pseudo from true disc oedema, also to recognise the aetiology of disc oedema. In this review article we are highlighting the OCT findings in various causes of disc oedema.

Keywords

• Disc edema
• optical coherence tomography
• optic disc