drusen
Tiny Deposits Under the Retina
Plain-language definition
Tiny yellow deposits under the retina; a hallmark of dry age-related macular degeneration. Optic disc drusen are a separate finding on the optic nerve - usually benign, but they can occasionally cause gradual visual-field loss.
Read our full article on Drusen.
Where this term comes up
“Optic disc drusen (ODD) are abnormal deposits of protein and calcium within the optic nerve head.”
Condition · Optic Disc Drusen
“The most common cause is optic disc drusen - small calcium deposits buried in the nerve head”
Finding · Pseudopapilledema
“Drusen or deposits”
Test · Fundoscopic Examination
- Category
- Condition, finding, or disease process
- Also written as
- No alternate forms listed.
Pathology terms describe diseases, tissue changes, exam findings, or complications that can affect vision or eye comfort.
Related glossary terms
- OCT
Optical Coherence Tomography
- macula
Central Retina
- hemorrhage
Bleeding
- ischemia
Reduced Blood Supply
- papilledema
Swelling of the Optic Nerve from Brain Pressure
- fundus
Back of the Eye
A note on medical context
A glossary definition can explain a word, but it cannot tell you whether a symptom or test result is serious. If this term came from an article, use the full article and your clinician's guidance for context.