Which statement best describes ONH drusen?

Which statement best describes ONH drusen?

• A. Calcified deposits within the optic nerve
• B. Inflammation of the optic nerve head
• C. Fluid accumulation in the vitreous
• D. Pigment clumps in the macula

Answer: (A)

ONH drusen are calcified deposits located within the optic nerve head. These nodules arise from axonal debris that becomes calcified in the prelaminar region of the optic nerve, often buried early and sometimes autofluorescent, making them noticeable as the eye matures. This description—a calcified, intra-nerve head deposit—best fits what ONH drusen are. They are not inflammatory in nature, so they don’t present as optic nerve inflammation. They aren’t fluid accumulations in the vitreous, which would point to vitreous pathology. And they aren’t pigment clumps in the macula, which would involve the retina, not the optic nerve head.

ONH drusen are calcified deposits located within the optic nerve head. These nodules arise from axonal debris that becomes calcified in the prelaminar region of the optic nerve, often buried early and sometimes autofluorescent, making them noticeable as the eye matures. This description—a calcified, intra-nerve head deposit—best fits what ONH drusen are. They are not inflammatory in nature, so they don’t present as optic nerve inflammation. They aren’t fluid accumulations in the vitreous, which would point to vitreous pathology. And they aren’t pigment clumps in the macula, which would involve the retina, not the optic nerve head.