What are the optical nerves Drusen?

Optical nerve are small bearing of protein mass that accumulates in the optical disk. These protein pockets also known as DRUSEN OPTIC DISC or Optic nerve heads and can cause potential vision problems. The condition is influenced by a very small number of people - about one percent of the population - and the symptoms are extremely rare, even in individuals who have the main accumulation of Drusen. In several very unusual cases Drusen led to loss of sight.

Experts are not entirely sure how and why Drusen is developing. One of the common theory is that mucopolysaccharides-the type of carbohydrate structure-and mukoproteins accumulate as a side effect of cellular metabolism. Many patients with optical nerve drusen have inherited a condition from a family member, although the genetic basis is not a prerequisite for the development of Drusen. They evolve in both eyes more often than in one eye.

In most cases, the optical nerve is not caused by any noticeable problems and are detected only with a regular eye. MnOho ophthalmologists find that the patient with the accumulation of Drusen has a slight aberration in such a small extent that the patient does not notice it. The severity of any side vision problems can be derived by a more thorough examination in which the patient's side vision is tested by special "visual fields" machines. If the eye physician is not sure whether the optical nerve is present, he can order a CT scan, optical ultrasound or fondoscopy to collect a more definitive diagnosis.

According to its nature, damage to the optical nerve is progressive. While most patients with optical nerve drusen do not leave, other conditions may develop over time. Some of the most commonly reported vision problems are improved blind spots, general weakness in the main line of vision and other abnormalities in the Visual field.

There is no definitive treatment for optical nerve drusen or there are no preventive measures that could be taken to ensure,that they do not develop. An individual with a Drusen is commonly examined by a doctor to measure the extent of accumulation or any further growth that could have occurred. Some doctors may prescribe eye drops that alleviate intraocular voltage and reduce the pressure on the fibers of the optical disk. Some cases of dirty optical nerve may require laser therapy, although this type of treatment is rare.