Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 9, 2026

10:14
Author Spotlight: Ex Vivo OCT-Based Multimodal Imaging of Human Donor Eyes for Research into Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Published on: May 26, 2023
4.3K
Long-term evolution of superficial optic disc drusen.
Lasse Malmqvist1, Henrik Lund-Andersen1, Steffen Hamann1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark.
Acta Ophthalmologica
|December 21, 2016
Summary
Optic disc drusen (ODD) anatomy shows minimal change over a lifetime, particularly in those diagnosed later in life. Visual field defects, however, showed a significant decrease in area over the 56-year study.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuro-ophthalmology
Background:
- Optic disc drusen (ODD) are hyaline deposits affecting 1-2% of the population.
- Understanding ODD's long-term anatomical and visual field changes is crucial for pathophysiology and prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term evolution of superficial optic disc anatomy and visual fields in patients with ODD.
- This study offers a lifespan perspective on ODD, with a median follow-up of 56 years.
Main Methods:
- An observational case series design was employed.
- Eight patients with hereditary ODD were followed over a lifespan.
Main Results:
- Superficial ODD anatomy (size, number) showed minimal change in 10 of 12 eyes over 56 years.
- A 27% decrease in visual field area was observed between initial and follow-up examinations.
- Younger age at initial examination correlated with a tendency towards more anatomical change.
Conclusions:
- Anatomical progression of ODD in hereditary cases appears to occur primarily before adulthood.
- Minimal anatomical change in older patients suggests ODD stabilization post-adulthood.

