Optic Disk Drusen
Optic Disk
Retinal Drusen
Optic Nerve
Optic Nerve Diseases
Glaucoma
Retinal Ganglion Cells
Retina
Macular Degeneration
Optic Neuritis
Optic Atrophy
Optic Chiasm
Bruch Membrane
Photography
Optic Nerve Injuries
Geographic Atrophy
Twinkling artifact in color Doppler imaging of the orbit. (1/42)
OBJECTIVE: To show an artifact related to color Doppler flow imaging of the orbit. METHODS: Three patients with strongly reflective structures in the orbit were selected from those routinely referred by clinicians for color Doppler ultrasonography of the orbit. Gray scale and color flow images were obtained with a 7.5-MHz linear array probe for a region with strongly reflective structures. A spectral display was acquired to confirm the presence of blood flow. RESULTS: One patient had a metallic foreign body just behind the bulb; another had calcification within the irregular mass of phthisis bulbi; and the third had hyperechoic drusen in the periphery of the intraocular melanoma. The color mosaic, suggesting the presence of blood flow, was detected beyond all hyperechoic structures. Close vertical bands with no outer wrapping were detected in the spectrum display, obtained by placing the sample volume on the region of color flow. The artificial color flow was recognized as a color Doppler twinkling artifact. CONCLUSIONS: The color flow beyond the strongly reflecting structures in the orbit might be mistakenly interpreted as real blood flow if an examiner is not familiar with the artifact. It should prompt further imaging with spectral Doppler ultrasonography. (+info)Drusen proteome analysis: an approach to the etiology of age-related macular degeneration. (2/42)
Drusen are extracellular deposits that accumulate below the retinal pigment epithelium on Bruch's membrane and are risk factors for developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The progression of AMD might be slowed or halted if the formation of drusen could be modulated. To work toward a molecular understanding of drusen formation, we have developed a method for isolating microgram quantities of drusen and Bruch's membrane for proteome analysis. Liquid chromatography tandem MS analyses of drusen preparations from 18 normal donors and five AMD donors identified 129 proteins. Immunocytochemical studies have thus far localized approximately 16% of these proteins in drusen. Tissue metalloproteinase inhibitor 3, clusterin, vitronectin, and serum albumin were the most common proteins observed in normal donor drusen whereas crystallin was detected more frequently in AMD donor drusen. Up to 65% of the proteins identified were found in drusen from both AMD and normal donors. However, oxidative protein modifications were also observed, including apparent crosslinked species of tissue metalloproteinase inhibitor 3 and vitronectin, and carboxyethyl pyrrole protein adducts. Carboxyethyl pyrrole adducts are uniquely generated from the oxidation of docosahexaenoate-containing lipids. By Western analysis they were found to be more abundant in AMD than in normal Bruch's membrane and were found associated with drusen proteins. Carboxymethyl lysine, another oxidative modification, was also detected in drusen. These data strongly support the hypothesis that oxidative injury contributes to the pathogenesis of AMD and suggest that oxidative protein modifications may have a critical role in drusen formation. (+info)The potential role of amyloid beta in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration. (3/42)
Drusen are extracellular deposits that lie beneath the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and are the earliest signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Recent proteome analysis demonstrated that amyloid beta (Abeta) deposition was specific to drusen from eyes with AMD. To work toward a molecular understanding of the development of AMD from drusen, we investigated the effect of Abeta on cultured human RPE cells as well as ocular findings in neprilysin gene-disrupted mice, which leads to an increased deposition Abeta. The results showed that Abeta treatment induced a marked increase in VEGF as well as a marked decrease in pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF). Conditioned media from Abeta-exposed RPE cells caused a dramatic increase in tubular formation by human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Light microscopy of senescent neprilysin gene-disrupted mice showed an increased number of degenerated RPE cells with vacuoles. Electron microscopy revealed basal laminar and linear deposits beneath the RPE layer, but we did not observe choroidal neovascularization (CNV). The present study demonstrates that Abeta accumulation affects the balance between VEGF and PEDF in the RPE, and an accumulation of Abeta reproduces features characteristic of human AMD, such as RPE atrophy and basal deposit formation. Some other factors, such as breakdown of integrity of Bruch membrane, might be necessary to induce CNV of AMD. (+info)Bilateral optic disc swelling; is a CT scan necessary? (4/42)
A 47 year old man sustained a head injury after tripping. He presented to the accident and emergency department next morning where head x ray revealed no fractures. However, the casualty doctor found bilateral blurred optic disc margins on ophthalmoscopy. Although his head injury was classed as non-serious, an urgent computed tomography scan was ordered and an ophthalmic opinion sought. After detailed retinal examination, the ophthalmologist made a diagnosis of bilateral optic nerve head drusen (ONHD), which was confirmed by a B-scan ultrasound. The patient was advised not to drive (due to constricted visual fields associated with ONHD) and to inform his siblings of his condition so they could also be assessed. In cases of apparent optic disc swellings, it is essential to distinguish between true and pseudo-papillo-oedema to avoid subjecting patients to unnecessary neuroimaging procedures and associated exposure to radiation. (+info)Ultrahigh resolution optical coherence tomography in non-exudative age related macular degeneration. (5/42)
AIM: To describe the appearance of the non-exudative forms of age related macular degeneration (AMD) as imaged by ultrahigh resolution optical coherence tomography (UHR-OCT). METHODS: A UHR-OCT ophthalmic imaging system, which utilises a femtosecond laser light source capable of approximately 3 mum axial resolution, was employed to obtain retinal cross sectional images of patients with non-exudative AMD. Observational studies of the resulting retinal images were performed. RESULTS: 52 eyes of 42 patients with the clinical diagnosis of non-exudative AMD were imaged using the UHR-OCT system. 47 of the 52 (90%) eyes had the clinical diagnosis of drusen and/or retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) changes. In these patients, three patterns of drusen were apparent on UHR-OCT: (1) distinct RPE excrescences, (2) a saw toothed pattern of the RPE, and (3) nodular drusen. On UHR-OCT, three eyes (6%) with a clinical diagnosis of non-exudative AMD had evidence of fluid under the retina or RPE. Two of these three patients had findings suspicious for subclinical choroidal neovascularisation on UHR-OCT. CONCLUSION: With the increased resolution of UHR-OCT compared to standard OCT, the involvement of the outer retinal layers are more clearly defined. UHR-OCT may allow for the detection of early exudative changes not visible clinically or by angiography. (+info)Drusen, choroidal neovascularization, and retinal pigment epithelium dysfunction in SOD1-deficient mice: a model of age-related macular degeneration. (6/42)
Oxidative stress has long been linked to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases; however, whether it is a cause or merely a consequence of the degenerative process is still unknown. We show that mice deficient in Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) have features typical of age-related macular degeneration in humans. Investigations of senescent Sod1(-/-) mice of different ages showed that the older animals had drusen, thickened Bruch's membrane, and choroidal neovascularization. The number of drusen increased with age, and exposure of young Sod1(-/-) mice to excess light induced drusen. The retinal pigment epithelial cells of Sod1(-/-) mice showed oxidative damage, and their beta-catenin-mediated cellular integrity was disrupted, suggesting that oxidative stress may affect the junctional proteins necessary for the barrier integrity of the retinal pigment epithelium. These observations strongly suggest that oxidative stress may play a causative role in age-related retinal degeneration, and our findings provide evidence for the free radical theory of aging. In addition, these results demonstrate that the Sod1(-/-) mouse is a valuable animal model to study human age-related macular degeneration. (+info)A new autosomal recessive syndrome consisting of posterior microphthalmos, retinitis pigmentosa, foveoschisis, and optic disc drusen is caused by a MFRP gene mutation. (7/42)
PURPOSE: To describe the clinical and genetic characteristics of a new ophthalmic syndrome, which consists of posterior microphthalmos, retinitis pigmentosa, foveoschisis, and optic disc drusen, that segregates as an autosomal recessive trait in a family with four affected siblings. The membrane-type frizzled-related protein (MFRP) and CEH10 homeodomain-containing homolog (CHX10) genes, previously implicated in autosomal recessive forms of nanophthalmos/microphthalmos, were analyzed as candidate genes for this novel disease. METHODS: Complete ophthalmologic examinations were performed in four affected siblings and their parents. Ophthalmologic manifestations, fundus photographs, ultrasonographic (US) assessment, electroretinography (ERG), fluorescein retinal angiography (FA), Goldmann kinetic perimetry (GKP), and optical coherence tomography (OCT), as well as mutational status of MFRP and CHX10 genes in genomic DNA. RESULTS: In all affected siblings, ophthalmologic examination demonstrated normal horizontal corneal diameters and high hyperopia; funduscopy, ERG, and FA evidenced a progressive retinal dystrophy compatible with retinitis pigmentosa; A- and B-mode ultrasonography revealed decreased axial eye length and optic disc drusen; OCT showed localized macular retinoschisis. MFRP molecular analysis disclosed a one base pair insertion in exon 5 (c.498_499insC) in all affected individuals, a mutation that predicts a truncated protein (P165fsX198). Both parents were heterozygous for this mutation. CONCLUSIONS: A distinct autosomal recessive ophthalmic syndrome characterized by microphthalmos, retinitis pigmentosa, foveoschisis, and optic disc drusen is described. We demonstrated that this clinical association is caused by a mutation in MFRP, a gene previously implicated in isolated nanophthalmos. Our data indicate that defects in MFRP could be responsible for syndromic forms of microphthalmos/retinal degeneration and that this gene is necessary for photoreceptor maintenance. (+info)Haplotypes in the complement factor H (CFH) gene: associations with drusen and advanced age-related macular degeneration. (8/42)
BACKGROUND: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in the Western world, is a complex disease that affects people over 50 years old. The complement factor H (CFH) gene has been repeatedly shown to be a major factor in determining susceptibility to the advanced form of the condition. We aimed to better understand the functional role of this gene in the AMD disease process and assess whether it is associated with earlier forms of the disease. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: WE genotyped SNPS at the cfh gene locus in three independent populations with AMD: (a) extended families where at least 3 family members had AMD; (b) sporadic cases of advanced AMD and (c) cases from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). We investigated polymorphisms and haplotypes in and around the CFH gene to assess their role in AMD. CFH is associated with early/intermediate and advanced AMD in both familial and sporadic cases. In our populations, the CFH SNP, rs2274700, is most strongly associated with AMD and when incorporated into a haplotype with the Y402H SNP and rs1061147, the strongest association is observed (p<10(-9)). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our results, reproduced in three populations that represent the spectrum of AMD cases, provide evidence that the CFH gene is associated with drusen as well as with advanced AMD. We also identified novel susceptibility and protective haplotypes in the AMD populations. (+info)Optic disk drusen are small, calcified deposits that form within the optic nerve head, also known as the optic disc. They are made up of protein and calcium salts and can vary in size and number. These deposits can be seen on ophthalmic examination using an instrument called an ophthalmoscope.
Optic disk drusen are typically asymptomatic and are often discovered during routine eye examinations. However, in some cases, they may cause visual disturbances or even vision loss if they compress the optic nerve fibers. They can also increase the risk of developing other eye conditions such as glaucoma.
Optic disk drusen are more commonly found in individuals with a family history of the condition and tend to occur in younger people, typically before the age of 40. While there is no cure for optic disk drusen, regular eye examinations can help monitor any changes in the condition and manage any associated visual symptoms or complications.
The optic disk, also known as the optic nerve head, is the point where the optic nerve fibers exit the eye and transmit visual information to the brain. It appears as a pale, circular area in the back of the eye, near the center of the retina. The optic disk has no photoreceptor cells (rods and cones), so it is insensitive to light. It is an important structure to observe during eye examinations because changes in its appearance can indicate various ocular diseases or conditions, such as glaucoma, optic neuritis, or papilledema.
Retinal drusen are yellow-white, deposits of extracellular material that accumulate beneath the retina, most commonly in the macula. They are a common age-related finding and can also be seen in various other conditions such as inherited retinal diseases. Drusen can vary in size and number, and their presence is often associated with an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. However, not all individuals with drusen will develop AMD, and the significance of drusen depends on factors such as size, number, and location. It's important to monitor drusen and have regular eye examinations to assess any changes or progression that may indicate a higher risk for developing AMD.
The optic nerve, also known as the second cranial nerve, is the nerve that transmits visual information from the retina to the brain. It is composed of approximately one million nerve fibers that carry signals related to vision, such as light intensity and color, from the eye's photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) to the visual cortex in the brain. The optic nerve is responsible for carrying this visual information so that it can be processed and interpreted by the brain, allowing us to see and perceive our surroundings. Damage to the optic nerve can result in vision loss or impairment.
Optic nerve diseases refer to a group of conditions that affect the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. These diseases can cause various symptoms such as vision loss, decreased visual acuity, changes in color vision, and visual field defects. Examples of optic nerve diseases include optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve), glaucoma (damage to the optic nerve due to high eye pressure), optic nerve damage from trauma or injury, ischemic optic neuropathy (lack of blood flow to the optic nerve), and optic nerve tumors. Treatment for optic nerve diseases varies depending on the specific condition and may include medications, surgery, or lifestyle changes.
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often caused by an abnormally high pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure). This damage can lead to permanent vision loss or even blindness if left untreated. The most common type is open-angle glaucoma, which has no warning signs and progresses slowly. Angle-closure glaucoma, on the other hand, can cause sudden eye pain, redness, nausea, and vomiting, as well as rapid vision loss. Other less common types of glaucoma also exist. While there is no cure for glaucoma, early detection and treatment can help slow or prevent further vision loss.
Retinal Ganglion Cells (RGCs) are a type of neuron located in the innermost layer of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. These cells receive visual information from photoreceptors (rods and cones) via intermediate cells called bipolar cells. RGCs then send this visual information through their long axons to form the optic nerve, which transmits the signals to the brain for processing and interpretation as vision.
There are several types of RGCs, each with distinct morphological and functional characteristics. Some RGCs are specialized in detecting specific features of the visual scene, such as motion, contrast, color, or brightness. The diversity of RGCs allows for a rich and complex representation of the visual world in the brain.
Damage to RGCs can lead to various visual impairments, including loss of vision, reduced visual acuity, and altered visual fields. Conditions associated with RGC damage or degeneration include glaucoma, optic neuritis, ischemic optic neuropathy, and some inherited retinal diseases.
The retina is the innermost, light-sensitive layer of tissue in the eye of many vertebrates and some cephalopods. It receives light that has been focused by the cornea and lens, converts it into neural signals, and sends these to the brain via the optic nerve. The retina contains several types of photoreceptor cells including rods (which handle vision in low light) and cones (which are active in bright light and are capable of color vision).
In medical terms, any pathological changes or diseases affecting the retinal structure and function can lead to visual impairment or blindness. Examples include age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, and retinitis pigmentosa among others.
Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a medical condition that affects the central part of the retina, called the macula. The macula is responsible for sharp, detailed vision, which is necessary for activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces.
In AMD, there is a breakdown or deterioration of the macula, leading to gradual loss of central vision. There are two main types of AMD: dry (atrophic) and wet (exudative). Dry AMD is more common and progresses more slowly, while wet AMD is less common but can cause rapid and severe vision loss if left untreated.
The exact causes of AMD are not fully understood, but risk factors include age, smoking, family history, high blood pressure, obesity, and exposure to sunlight. While there is no cure for AMD, treatments such as vitamin supplements, laser therapy, and medication injections can help slow its progression and reduce the risk of vision loss.
Optic neuritis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation and damage to the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. This condition can result in various symptoms such as vision loss, pain with eye movement, color vision disturbances, and pupillary abnormalities. Optic neuritis may occur in isolation or be associated with other underlying medical conditions, including multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, and autoimmune disorders. The diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive eye examination, including visual acuity testing, dilated funduscopic examination, and possibly imaging studies like MRI to evaluate the optic nerve and brain. Treatment options may include corticosteroids or other immunomodulatory therapies to reduce inflammation and prevent further damage to the optic nerve.
Optic atrophy is a medical term that refers to the degeneration and shrinkage (atrophy) of the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. This condition can result in various vision abnormalities, including loss of visual acuity, color vision deficiencies, and peripheral vision loss.
Optic atrophy can occur due to a variety of causes, such as:
* Traumatic injuries to the eye or optic nerve
* Glaucoma
* Optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve)
* Ischemic optic neuropathy (reduced blood flow to the optic nerve)
* Compression or swelling of the optic nerve
* Hereditary or congenital conditions affecting the optic nerve
* Toxins and certain medications that can damage the optic nerve.
The diagnosis of optic atrophy typically involves a comprehensive eye examination, including visual acuity testing, refraction assessment, slit-lamp examination, and dilated funduscopic examination to evaluate the health of the optic nerve. In some cases, additional diagnostic tests such as visual field testing, optical coherence tomography (OCT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and determine the underlying cause.
There is no specific treatment for optic atrophy, but addressing the underlying cause can help prevent further damage to the optic nerve. In some cases, vision rehabilitation may be recommended to help patients adapt to their visual impairment.
The optic chiasm is a structure in the brain where the optic nerves from each eye meet and cross. This allows for the integration of visual information from both eyes into the brain's visual cortex, creating a single, combined image of the visual world. The optic chiasm plays an important role in the processing of visual information and helps to facilitate depth perception and other complex visual tasks. Damage to the optic chiasm can result in various visual field deficits, such as bitemporal hemianopsia, where there is a loss of vision in the outer halves (temporal fields) of both eyes' visual fields.
The Bruch membrane is a thin, layered structure that separates the retina from the choroid in the eye. It is composed of five layers: the basement membrane of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), the inner collagenous layer, the elastic layer, the outer collagenous layer, and the basement membrane of the choriocapillaris. The Bruch membrane provides structural support to the RPE and serves as a barrier between the retina and the choroid, allowing for the selective transport of nutrients and waste products. It also plays a role in maintaining the health of the photoreceptors in the retina. Damage to the Bruch membrane is associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in older adults.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "photography" is not a term typically used in medical definitions. Photography refers to the art, application, or process of creating images by recording light or other electromagnetic radiation, either electronically by means of an image sensor, or chemically by means of a light-sensitive material such as photographic film.
If you're looking for a medical term related to imaging, there are several terms that might be relevant, such as:
1. Radiography: This is a technique using X-rays to visualize the internal structures of the body.
2. Ultrasonography: Also known as ultrasound, this is a diagnostic imaging technique using high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the body.
3. Computed Tomography (CT): A type of imaging that uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body.
4. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A type of imaging that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues within the body.
5. Nuclear Medicine: This is a branch of medical imaging that uses small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose and treat diseases.
If you have any questions related to medical definitions or topics, feel free to ask!
Optic nerve injuries refer to damages or trauma inflicted on the optic nerve, which is a crucial component of the visual system. The optic nerve transmits visual information from the retina to the brain, enabling us to see. Injuries to the optic nerve can result in various visual impairments, including partial or complete vision loss, decreased visual acuity, changes in color perception, and reduced field of view.
These injuries may occur due to several reasons, such as:
1. Direct trauma to the eye or head
2. Increased pressure inside the eye (glaucoma)
3. Optic neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve
4. Ischemia, or insufficient blood supply to the optic nerve
5. Compression from tumors or other space-occupying lesions
6. Intrinsic degenerative conditions affecting the optic nerve
7. Toxic exposure to certain chemicals or medications
Optic nerve injuries are diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination, including visual acuity testing, slit-lamp examination, dilated fundus exam, and additional diagnostic tests like optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual field testing. Treatment options vary depending on the cause and severity of the injury but may include medications, surgery, or vision rehabilitation.
Geographic atrophy is a medical term used to describe a specific pattern of degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the underlying choroidal tissue in the eye. This condition is often associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults.
In geographic atrophy, there are well-defined areas of RPE and choroidal atrophy that appear as pale, irregularly shaped patches in the central part of the retina known as the macula. These patches can grow larger over time and may lead to progressive vision loss. The exact cause of geographic atrophy is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and other age-related changes in the eye.
Currently, there are no effective treatments for geographic atrophy, although research is ongoing to find new ways to slow or halt its progression. Regular eye exams and monitoring by an ophthalmologist are important for people with AMD or geographic atrophy to help detect any changes in their vision and manage their condition effectively.