Optical coherence tomography/scanning laser ophthalmoscopy imaging of optic nerve head drusen.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate optical coherence tomography/scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (OCT/SLO) imaging for optic nerve head drusen (ONHD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Nine consecutive eyes with ONHD were imaged. Each underwent visual field testing, 20-MHz B-scan ultrasonography, photography, and OCT/SLO imaging of the nerve head. Similar evaluation was performed on 12 matched, disease-free control eyes for comparison. RESULTS: OCT/SLO imaging of ONHD demonstrated lucencies (100%), variable amounts of displacement, and thickening of the overlying nerve fiber layer, as well as disorganization of the adjacent retinal pigment epithelium (44%). Optic nerve head topography was measured (using horizontal and vertical electronic calipers). Mean disc diameter was 1.81 mm (range 1.49 to 2.12 mm). All ONHD demonstrated anterior displacement of the base of the optic nerve cup (shallowing) compared to controls. The cup base was a mean +0.32 mm anterior to the retinal pigment epithelium for ONHD versus -0.23 mm for normal controls. CONCLUSION: OCT/SLO revealed unique and clinically helpful views of ONHD.