optic nerve head drusen

I am a optometry student.  I learned about optic nerve head drusen and heard about possible neuroprotective agents such as Alphagan P to prevent visual field progression.  I was wondering if you knew of any studies that have been published that show this works, or if it doesn't.  What are other ways to manage optic nerve head drusen.  I read  about optic nerve decompression surgeries as well

Any related studies or websties on management of optic nerve head drusen would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

There are no ways of managing optic nerve head drusen. It messes up the visual field so glaucoma patients have to be treated based on family history, IOP, and NFL OCT.

Optic nerve decompression surgery would not help ON drusen.

Most people manage with mile or no VF loss. Some are aware of VF loss but function pretty well.

Patients need to be advised about telling other physicians their ON may look like its swollen (pseudopapilledema).

There is a somewhat increase incidence of macular and periocular neovascularization.


JCH MD

[mom1989]

Are there any correlation between hypothyroidism and optic nerve head drusen...........and high cholesterol.  I have a 16 year old with all three - have always thought if odd that a child so young would have optic nerve head drusen and high cholesterol.........and we've just recently discovered the thyroid disease.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

No there is no correlation to any systemic disease.
JCH MD