Optic disc swelling in the paediatric population

Abstract

Swelling of the optic disc may result from inflammation, infiltration, optic nerve compression or ischaemia, as well as increased intracranial pressure. It can be imitated by local structural features of the optic disc leading to pseudopapilloedema. Disease entities leading to optic disc swelling can take different courses in the paediatric population compared to the adult population. Investigations used to confirm diagnosis include optical coherence tomography (OCT), ocular ultrasound, fluorescein angiography, visual evoked potentials (VEP), and imaging studies of head and orbits.