Drusen are deposits that can form in the eye, often as a result of aging. They can be associated with vision problems and may indicate abnormalities in the eye. There is no cure, but regular eye exams can help manage the condition. Drusen can cause compression of the optic nerve and lead to blindness.
Drusen are deposits that can appear in the choroid of the eye, in an area known as Bruch’s membrane, or around the optic nerve. The development of drusen appears to be a natural byproduct of aging, but sometimes these deposits can be associated with vision problems. They are usually identified during a routine eye exam where they can be seen by a doctor and further diagnostic tests such as ultrasound or other medical imaging studies of the eye and head can be used to learn more about the precise location and size of depositing.
The mechanism behind drusen formation is not understood. They can be deposits left by the immune system or they can be associated with natural processes within the eye. Their color ranges from white to creamy yellow and has a shimmery appearance which inspired the name:
“drusen” is German for “geode”. They can vary widely in size and shape, often appearing disc-like when magnified.
Drusen in the choroid are different from deposits around the optic nerve. In the case of deposits around the choroid, many people have them naturally as they get older. In some cases, they can be associated with macular degeneration. It is not known whether the deposits cause or are simply related to macular degeneration. The development of drusen in younger patients or the rapid growth of these deposits can be a cause for concern, as it may indicate that abnormalities are occurring within the eye.
As these growths develop along the optic nerve, they will slowly compress the nerve over time. This can cause distortion in your field of vision, especially around the edges, and can even cause blindness. There are some other rare complications including bleeding in the eye which can emerge in patients with optic nerve drusen.
There is no cure for these deposits. Treatment focuses on managing them and monitoring patients for any signs of change. Drusen can occasionally be associated with other complications, making it important to get regular eye exams to keep an eye on the condition. Patients should also be sure to get a copy of their medical records if they need to switch doctors so the new doctor can read notes on when the deposits were first noticed and how they have changed since the initial diagnosis. This information can be extremely helpful in managing a patient’s condition.
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