optic disc oedema

optic disc oedema

Swelling of the head of the optic nerve, as seen with an OPHTHALMOSCOPE at the inside of the back of the eye. Optic disc oedema may be a sign of optic nerve inflammation but commonly indicates a rise in the pressure within the skull from any cause, such as a brain tumour. It is thus a sign of high clinical significance. Also known as PAPILLOEDEMA.