enlarged optic nerves

what causes enlarged optic nerves? i am a 61 yr. old female who was told my optic nerves were enlarged by my eye dr. when she dilated my eyes.

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear moomar,

Enlarged optic nerves may be associated with glaucoma.  You should undergo further testing to determine the etiology.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California

[Ruthiejb]

Can this also be normal for that person?  How is it determined if the enlarged nerves are physiological or pathological?

[starr363]

I just wanted to pass on what my eye doctor told me today.
I too have enlarged optic nerves but my pressures and
field vision tests are fine so he only considers me a glaucoma
suspect.  He said enlarged nerves are just one sign of glaucoma
and for some people, it is normal for them.  If yours remains
the same over several years of testing, he said it was probably
normal for you.  I would definitely let an eye doctor tell you
that yourself though - I just wanted to share what mine told me.

best wishes,
starr

[Ruthiejb]

Thank you so much, Starr363.  I've been obsessing so much since my eye doctor told me that my optic nerves were enlarged.   I am going back in 2 weeks for a visual field test and to have computer pictures taken for a baseline, then I'll be meeting with him to discuss the results.  You have no idea how much you've helped put my mind at ease.  Thank you again.

[nsnahmed]

A related discussion, optic nerve cupping was started.