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The eye in papilloedema

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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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

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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.

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