Congenital pits of the optic nerve

Abstract

Congenital optic nerve pits are a rare ocular anomaly that have been described in past literature as focal colobomas of the optic nerve. Typically, congenital pits do not cause visual loss unless associated with a serous macular detachment. Serous detachment secondary to optic pits has been reported in 25–75% of cases. The pathogenesis of optic nerve pits and associated serous macular detachments remains controversial. This paper will discuss the diagnosis, pathogenesis, management, and treatment of congenital optic nerve pits and associated serous macular detachments.