This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Go to /pro/cpd-dashboard page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. CPD dashboard

Go to /account/subscription-details page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. Upgrade to Pro

The eye in papilloedema

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

The appearance of the eye in papilloedema depends upon the stage of the disease process in which the eye is examined:

  • Early:
    • disc is hyperaemic
    • blurring of disc margin
    • capillaries on disc become dilated and apparent
    • loss of venous pulsation

  • Established:
    • veins are engorged
    • central cup is obliterated
    • blood vessels are obscured at disc margin
    • flame shaped haemorrhages
    • cotton wool spots
    • hard exudates
    • retina is displaced from the disc with enlargement of the blind spot

  • Vintage - after about one week:
    • acute and haemorrhagic components resolve
    • disc becomes grey and pale, and may be so swollen as to resemble a champagne cork

Create an account to add page annotations

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.