Focal Capillary Dropout Associated With Optic Disc Drusen Using Optical Coherence Tomographic Angiography
Eric D Gaier1, Joseph F Rizzo, John B Miller
1Neuro-Ophthalmology (EDG, JFR, DMC) and Retina (JBM), Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
Summary
Superficial optic disc drusen can cause vision loss. New imaging shows these drusen are linked to thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer and reduced capillaries in the retina.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuro-ophthalmology
Background:
- Optic disc drusen are abnormal deposits in the optic nerve head.
- They are associated with visual field defects and vision loss, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear.
Observation:
- A patient presented with decreased vision in their right eye due to a significant burden of optic disc drusen.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed focal retinal nerve fiber layer thinning corresponding to drusen.
- OCT angiography demonstrated capillary attenuation overlying the optic disc drusen.
Findings:
- Optic disc drusen are associated with focal retinal nerve fiber layer thinning.
- Alterations in the superficial retinal capillary network, specifically capillary attenuation, are observed overlying optic disc drusen.
Implications:
- These findings provide insights into the pathophysiology of vision loss in optic disc drusen.
- Advanced imaging techniques like OCT and OCT angiography are crucial for understanding the structural and vascular changes associated with optic disc drusen.
