Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
10:14
Ex Vivo OCT-Based Multimodal Imaging of Human Donor Eyes for Research into Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Published on: May 26, 2023
Differentiating optic disc edema from optic nerve head drusen on optical coherence tomography
Lenworth N Johnson1, Meredith L Diehl, Chuck W Hamm
1Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit, Mason Eye Institute, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO 65212, USA. johnsonln@health.missouri.edu
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|January 14, 2009
Summary
Optical coherence tomography effectively distinguishes optic disc edema (ODE) from optic nerve head drusen (ONHD). Quantitative OCT analysis offers higher accuracy in differentiating these optic nerve conditions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Imaging
- Neuro-ophthalmology
Background:
- Optic disc edema (ODE) and optic nerve head drusen (ONHD) can present with similar funduscopic findings.
- Accurate differentiation is crucial for appropriate patient management and treatment.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides high-resolution cross-sectional views of the optic nerve head.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in distinguishing optic disc edema (ODE) from optic nerve head drusen (ONHD).
- To compare qualitative and quantitative OCT features between ODE and ONHD.
- To identify specific OCT parameters that can reliably differentiate these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Sixty subjects were analyzed: 20 with ODE, 20 with ONHD, and 20 controls.
- OCT images were assessed using qualitative criteria (e.g., optic nerve head contour, subretinal hyporeflective space patterns) and quantitative measurements (retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, SHYPS thickness).
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare measurements between groups.
Main Results:
- OCT demonstrated moderate qualitative differentiation (sensitivity 63%, specificity 63%) and high quantitative differentiation (sensitivity 80%, specificity 90%) between ODE and ONHD.
- Significant differences in mean retinal nerve fiber layer thickness were observed across all quadrants (P < .002).
- Significant differences in mean subretinal hyporeflective space (SHYPS) thickness were found at multiple radii (P < .001).
Conclusions:
- Optical coherence tomography is a valuable tool for differentiating optic disc edema from optic nerve head drusen.
- Quantitative OCT measurements, particularly nasal retinal nerve fiber layer and SHYPS thickness at a 2.0-mm radius, are highly predictive.
- Specific thresholds (nasal RNFL > 86 µm, SHYPS at 2.0 mm > 127 µm) aid in diagnosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...