Papilledema
Papilledema is swelling of the optic nerve inside the eye caused by increased pressure in or around the brain.
Causes
- Bleeding in the brain
- Brain tumor or mass
- Head injury
- Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri)
- Inflammation of the brain
Symptoms
- Headache
- Momentary blurring of vision
- Double vision (diplopia)
- Nausea, vomiting, or both
- Pulsing noise in the ear
Tests & Diagnosis
Comprehensive Eye Exam
- Your doctor examines your eyes and reviews your medical history.
- An ophthalmoscope may be used to view the back of your eye.
Imaging
- MRI or CT scan to identify the cause of increased pressure
- Ultrasound of the eye to differentiate papilledema from other optic nerve disorders.
Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap)
- Measures cerebrospinal fluid pressure.
- Fluid may be analyzed to check for tumors or infections.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
- Measures the thickness of optic nerve fibers to assess damage.
Optic Nerve Photos
- Documents the amount of swelling in the optic nerve.
Visual Field Test
- Assesses both central and peripheral vision.
Treatments
Treating the Underlying Cause
- Management depends on the condition causing papilledema.
- Examples:
Brain tumor: Corticosteroids to reduce swelling.
Infection: Antibiotics to clear the infection.
- Treating the root cause is essential to resolving papilledema and preventing vision loss.
Why Choose Bascom Palmer Eye Institute?
Ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report
- The top facility in the nation for eye care.
Respected Doctors
- Our world-class physicians collaborate with researchers and other specialists at the University of Miami to provide comprehensive care and restore your vision and health.
FAQ
What is a cataract, and how does it affect vision?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which is located behind the iris and pupil. Over time, this clouding can make vision blurry, dim, or hazy, much like looking through a foggy window. It often develops slowly with age but can also result from injury, certain medications, or medical conditions like diabetes. Early on, you might notice trouble driving at night or reading small print, but cataracts don’t cause pain.
When is surgery recommended for cataracts?
Surgery is typically recommended when cataracts interfere with daily activities, such as reading, watching TV, or driving. There’s no rush if symptoms are mild—eye drops or brighter lighting can help temporarily. Most people opt for surgery when vision drops below 20/40, but it’s a personal decision based on lifestyle needs. The procedure is safe and outpatient, taking about 15-30 minutes per eye.
What happens during refractive surgery like LASIK?
Refractive surgery corrects common vision problems by reshaping the cornea using a laser. For LASIK, a thin flap is created on the cornea, the laser removes tiny amounts of tissue underneath to adjust focus, and the flap is repositioned. It’s quick, with most people seeing better within a day, but not everyone is a candidate—factors like thin corneas or dry eyes may steer you toward alternatives like PRK.
Are there risks or side effects after cataract or refractive surgery?
Both surgeries are very safe, with success rates over 95%, but temporary side effects can include dry eyes, light sensitivity, or mild discomfort. Rare risks for cataract surgery include infection or posterior capsule opacification (treatable with a quick laser touch-up), while refractive surgery might cause halos around lights at night. Your surgeon will discuss these and how to minimize them with post-op care like eye drops.
How long does recovery take, and what results can I expect?
Recovery from cataract surgery is fast—most return to normal activities in a day or two, with full vision stabilization in 4-6 weeks. Refractive surgery recovery is similar, though you might need a few days off screens. Expect sharper, clearer vision without glasses for distance in many cases, but reading glasses may still be needed. Regular follow-ups ensure the best long-term outcomes.
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