Optic nerve head drusen causing disc hemorrhage and disc edema

Abstract

Optic nerve head drusen or hyaline bodies represent calcific material that is confined to the anterior lamina cribrosa but within the optic nerve head. These calcium deposits are believed to be derived from the axonal debris resulting from alterations in axoplasmic flow. Optic nerve heads with drusen are small in size, have an elevated appearance and irregular margins. The presence of optic nerve head drusen can cause visual field defects and may alter the vascular supply to the nerve. Progressive damage is possible and can result in ischemic optic neuropathy. The following is a case report of a patient with optic nerve head drusen, greater in the left eye than in the right, who presented with hemorrhage and disc edema in the left eye caused by the drusen.