Objective and subjective examinations for evaluation the degree of drusen‐related optic nerve neuropathy

Abstract

AbstractPurpose Evaluation of influence of the drusen on optic nerve function. Comparison of various diagnostic methods.Methods 27 patients (54 eyes) with optic nerve drusen (average age: 33 years) and 15 healthy patients (30 eyes; average age: 32 years) have been examined. By all patients full ophthalmological examination, static perimetry (Octopus 301, Zeiss), contrast sensitivity with the sine wave contrast test (SWCT) as well as pattern electroretinography (PERG) and pattern visual evoked potentials (PVEP; Reti‐Port, Roland Consult) were conducted. Statistical analysis was based on Mann‐Whitney U Test and Spearman Test.Results Best Corrected Visual Acuity in all eyes amounted to 0.0 logMAR. In PVEP examination, the eyes with optic nerve drusen have revealed a statistically significantly lower P100 wave amplitude at 1 check size (p = 0,0004) and at 15’ (p = 0,046) as well as longer P100 wave latency at 15’ check size (p = 0,046) than healthy eyes. In PERG the amplitude of N95 wave was statistically significantly lower for eyes with optic nerve drusen than for healthy eyes. Statistically significant, negative correlation between the amplitude of N95 wave PERG and the value of MD factor of static visual field (r = ‐ 0,1003) has been found. No significant differences in degrees of contrast sensitivity have been identified.Conclusion Presence of drusen disturbs optic nerve function. Electrophysiological examinations are a sensitive test in identifying visual neuropathy.