[Bilateral visual field defects with optic disc drusen and secondary open angle glaucoma with PEX--clinical correlation with the HRA]

Abstract

Background: Arcuate visual field defects are a typical sign of glaucomatous damage. Elevated intraocular pressure in combination with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PSX) manifests the diagnosis glaucoma. Beyond this state, in microdiscs with optic disc drusen, the exact classification of the visual field defects is crucial.

Case report: A 57-year-old male with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma was referred because of progressive glaucomatous visual field defects. The visual acuity was right 20/40 and left 20/25. Maximum intraocular pressure was 36 mm Hg. A simple optic nerve atrophy was diagnosed superonasally. The optic disc size was OD 2.24 mm(2) and OS 1.89 mm(2) (HRT I). An Ultrasound B-mode scan demonstrated the diagnosis of optic disc drusen. Over a follow-up of 1 year, a growth tendency was observed, especially in the superonasal quadrant. The mulberry-shaped surface of the drusen was visualized with infrared reflection images (HRA II, 830 nm). Confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (HRA II, excitation 488 nm, 500 nm notch filter) showed an increased intrapapapillary autofluorescence (> 50 % papillary area: OD 1.67 mm(2), OS 1.26 mm(2)). This technique could detect drusen in areas that looked normal in classical retinoscopy.

Conclusion: The differential diagnosis of arcuate scotomas includes simple optic nerve atrophy and glaucomatous optic nerve atrophy. Optic disc drusen in glaucoma eyes can obscure the main cause of progressive visual field loss. Superficial optic disc drusen can be measured planimetrically over the years. An adequate reduction of intraocular pressure should be realized in these eyes.