Optic Disc Assessment

Question 1

What is the optic disc?

Answer 1

Optic nerve viewed end on

Question 2

What is the optic cup?

Answer 2

Space within the optic nerve where no axons are present

This is the pale centre of the optic disc

Question 3

The size of the optic cup depends on which 2 factors?

Answer 3

1. Scleral opening size
2. No of axons within optic nerve

Question 4

Which 3 things must be examined and commented on when exmaining an optic disc?

Answer 4

1. Cup
2. Colour
3. Contour

Question 5

How should a healthy optic disc look?

Answer 5

Orange/pink rim with pale centre

Question 6

What is the optic contour?

Answer 6

The definition of the optic disc border

(should be well defined)

Question 7

For which reasons may an optic disc lose its outer peachy colour?

Answer 7

1. Glaucoma (advanced)
2. Optic neuritis
3. Arteritic or non-arteritic ischaemic optic neuropathy
4. Compressive lesion

Question 8

What is the cup to disc ratio?

Answer 8

Vertical size of optic cup estimated in relation to the disc as a whole

Question 9

What is the normal cup to disc ratio?

Answer 9

0.3

Question 10

What does an increasing cup to disc ratio suggest?

Answer 10

Glaucoma

(decrease in the quantity of healthy neuro-retinal tissue)

Question 11

What can cause a bitemporal hemionopia?

Answer 11

Macroadenoma pituitary tumour

Question 12

How does bitemporal hemionopia often present?

Answer 12

Incidentally at opticians

Question 13

What may cause an enlarged blind spot?

Answer 13

1. Optic neuritis
2. Papilloedema

Question 14

What is papilloedema?

Answer 14

Optic disc swelling caused by increased intracranial pressure