An optic nerve pit is a backward protrusion of tissue seen on theoptic nerve.
Optic nerve pits are not that common.
It is responsible for transmitting visual information (what you see) from the retina to the brain.
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The optic nerve is made up of more than 1 million nerve fibers.
If vision changes do occur, they are more likely to happen in a person’s 20s or 30s.
Vision changes result in about 50% of people with an optic nerve pit.
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Vision changes are brought on by fluid that pools under themacula.The macula is the central part of the retina.
The accumulation of fluid under the macula without a break in the retina is called a serousretinal detachment.
A serous retinal detachment can cause:
Retinal detachments are considered a medical emergency.
Vision problems that involve the macula and are associated with an optic nerve pit are often calledmaculopathies.
Many people with an optic nerve pit will not notice any change to their vision.
An eye doctor can observe an optic nerve pit with direct or indirectophthalmoscopy.
The eye doctor also can obtain a closer look via aslit lamp biomicroscopy binocular exam.
Aslit lampis a special microscope with a bright light attached to it.
The eye doctor may also perform avisual field test, which measures your entire field of vision.
This will help them see if there are any visual field defects due to the optic nerve pit.
Could It Be Something Else?
Your eye doctor can rule out glaucoma during the exam as well.
The eye doctor may just recommend monitoring and returning for regular eye exams.
If the macula has fluid buildup associated with a serous retinal detachment, then the eye will require treatment.
These treatments may include:
Results from the treatment of an optic nerve pit can vary.
However, surgery has about an 87% success rate.
In some people, vision does not return to normal despite treatment.
It more commonly affects one eye vs. both eyes.
Most people do not know that they have it until an eye doctor observes the pit during an exam.
An optic nerve pit often does not need treatment, nor does it cause visual effects.
When it does cause vision changes due to maculopathy, treatment options include a variety of surgeries.
Surgery can help improve vision, although some people may not return to normal vision even after treatment.
Talk to your doctor about your long-term risk for maculopathy.
Let your healthcare team know if you have any changes to your vision.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.
American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.Optic nerve pit.
U.S. National Library of Medicine.Optic nerve disorders.
Chatzrialli I, Theodossiadis P, Theodossiadis GP.Optic disk pit maculopathy: Current management strategies.
