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Drusen of the optic disc. A histopathological study
Transactions of the Ophthalmological Societies of the United Kingdom
|April 1, 1975
Summary
Optic disc drusen, often calcified and sometimes containing iron, are associated with significant histopathological changes in the optic nerve head and retina. These changes include nerve fiber compression and optic atrophy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pathology
Background:
- Optic disc drusen are abnormal calcified deposits within the optic nerve head.
- Their histopathological features and associated ocular changes are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the histopathological changes associated with optic disc drusen.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 18 autopsy eyes and 4 surgically enucleated eyes with optic disc drusen.
- Histopathological examination of the optic nerve head and adjacent retina.
Main Results:
- Observed histopathological changes included nerve fiber compression, optic atrophy, disc elevation, cytoid bodies, hemorrhage, and scarring.
- All optic disc drusen examined were calcified.
- Iron was detected in 50% of the optic disc drusen studied.
Conclusions:
- Optic disc drusen are linked to a spectrum of degenerative and reactive changes in the optic nerve head.
- Calcification is a consistent feature of optic disc drusen, and iron may be present.