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There are 7 versions of this glossary term.
7. Optic Nerve Pit

Print Version

WHAT IS AN OPTIC NERVE PIT?

An optic nerve pit is a small pocket or hole near the optic nerve (the nerve that connects the eye to the brain). It happens when the eye does not develop properly before birth. About 1 in 11,000 people have an optic nerve pit. Usually, it affects one eye, but in 15% of children, it can be seen in both eyes. 
 
See Figure 1, which shows a normal optic nerve with an orange-pink circle and a yellow-white center. See Figure 2, which shows a nerve with a pit. There is an extra area of lighter color at the bottom of the orange-pink circle; this is the pit.

Fig. 1: Normal optic nerve.

Fig. 2: Optic nerve pit. See how it is lighter in color at the bottom. This is where the hole or pocket forms in the nerve. 

 HOW IS THE OPTIC PIT DIAGNOSED?

An optic nerve pit is most often diagnosed by an ophthalmologist during a routine eye exam. 
 
If the optic nerve pit affects the vision, extra testing may be used like fluorescein angiography (a special test that uses a dye and a camera to look at the blood flow in the back of the eye) or optical coherence tomography (OCT, a special test that looks at the thickness of the back of the eye). 

 WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF THE OPTIC PIT ON VISION?

The pit itself usually does not affect vision, and most people do not have any symptoms for a long time, if ever. However, about half of patients with symptoms start having vision changes in their 20s or 30s. 
 
Vision problems occur when fluid builds up under the center part of the retina (the inner lining of the back of the eye). If fluid builds up under the retina, it can cause blurry vision, distorted/stretched/wavy vision, and objects to appear smaller than they are. 

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT OF THE OPTIC PIT?

Unfortunately, there is no treatment for the optic pit itself or a way to prevent fluid build-up. However, monitoring and regular follow-up with your ophthalmologist are necessary to look for fluid build-up and blurry vision because that may be treatable.
 
In some cases, the fluid under the retina goes away on its own with rest and monitoring. In other cases, eye surgery may be needed to remove the fluid. However, even with the right treatment, vision may not fully return to normal.
 
 
If you have more questions about an optic nerve pit, speak with your ophthalmologist. 
 
For more scientific information on optic pits, see https://eyewiki.org/Optic_Pits.
 
                                                                                                                                                               

Updated 06/2023


#Conditions
Revised By: Marlo Russell Revised On: Jun 16, 2023 11:47 AM
Characters Edited: 0 Total: 6033
6. Optic Nerve Pit

Print Version

WHAT IS AN OPTIC NERVE PIT?

An optic nerve pit is a small pocket or hole near the optic nerve (the nerve that connects the eye to the brain). It happens when the eye does not develop properly before birth. About 1 in 11,000 people have an optic nerve pit. Usually, it affects one eye, but in 15% of children, it can be seen in both eyes. 
 
See Figure 1, which shows a normal optic nerve with an orange-pink circle and a yellow-white center. See Figure 2, which shows a nerve with a pit. There is an extra area of lighter color at the bottom of the orange-pink circle; this is the pit.

Fig. 1: Normal optic nerve.

Fig. 2: Optic nerve pit. See how it is lighter in color at the bottom. This is where the hole or pocket forms in the nerve. 

 HOW IS THE OPTIC PIT DIAGNOSED?

An optic nerve pit is most often diagnosed by an ophthalmologist during a routine eye exam. 
 
If the optic nerve pit affects the vision, extra testing may be used like fluorescein angiography (a special test that uses a dye and a camera to look at the blood flow in the back of the eye) or optical coherence tomography (OCT, a special test that looks at the thickness of the back of the eye). 

 WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF THE OPTIC PIT ON VISION?

The pit itself usually does not affect vision, and most people do not have any symptoms for a long time, if ever. However, about half of patients with symptoms start having vision changes in their 20s or 30s. 
 
Vision problems occur when fluid builds up under the center part of the retina (the inner lining of the back of the eye). If fluid builds up under the retina, it can cause blurry vision, distorted/stretched/wavy vision, and objects to appear smaller than they are. 

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT OF THE OPTIC PIT?

Unfortunately, there is no treatment for the optic pit itself or a way to prevent fluid build-up. However, monitoring and regular follow-up with your ophthalmologist are necessary to look for fluid build-up and blurry vision because that may be treatable.
 
In some cases, the fluid under the retina goes away on its own with rest and monitoring. In other cases, eye surgery may be needed to remove the fluid. However, even with the right treatment, vision may not fully return to normal.
 
 
If you have more questions about an optic nerve pit, speak with your ophthalmologist. 
 
For more scientific information on optic pits, see https://eyewiki.org/Optic_Pits.
 
 
                                                                                                                                                              

Updated 06/2023


#Conditions
Revised By: Marlo Russell Revised On: Jun 16, 2023 11:44 AM
Characters Edited: -9 Total: 6033
5. Optic Nerve Pit

Print Version

WHAT IS AN OPTIC NERVE PIT?

 An optic nerve pit is a small pocket or hole near the optic nerve (the nerve that connects the eye to the brain). It happens when the eye does not develop properly before birth. About 1 in 11,000 people have an optic nerve pit. Usually, it affects one eye, but in 15% of children, it can be seen in both eyes. 
 
See Figure 1, which shows a normal optic nerve with an orange-pink circle and a yellow-white center. See Figure 2, which shows a nerve with a pit. There is an extra area of lighter color at the bottom of the orange-pink circle; this is the pit.

Fig. 1: Normal optic nerve.

Fig. 2: Optic nerve pit. See how it is lighter in color at the bottom. This is where the hole or pocket forms in the nerve. 

 HOW IS THE OPTIC PIT DIAGNOSED?

 An optic nerve pit is most often diagnosed by an ophthalmologist during a routine eye exam. 
 
If the optic nerve pit affects the vision, extra testing may be used like fluorescein angiography (a special test that uses a dye and a camera to look at the blood flow in the back of the eye) or optical coherence tomography (OCT, a special test that looks at the thickness of the back of the eye). 

 WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF THE OPTIC PIT ON VISION?

 The pit itself usually does not affect vision, and most people do not have any symptoms for a long time, if ever. However, about half of patients with symptoms start having vision changes in their 20s or 30s. 
 
Vision problems occur when fluid builds up under the center part of the retina (the inner lining of the back of the eye). If fluid builds up under the retina, it can cause blurry vision, distorted/stretched/wavy vision, and objects to appear smaller than they are.
 

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT OF THE OPTIC PIT?

Unfortunately, there is no treatment for the optic pit itself or a way to prevent fluid build-up. However, monitoring and regular follow-up with your ophthalmologist are necessary to look for fluid build-up and blurry vision because that may be treatable.
 
In some cases, the fluid under the retina goes away on its own with rest and monitoring. In other cases, eye surgery may be needed to remove the fluid. However, even with the right treatment, vision may not fully return to normal.
 
 
If you have more questions about an optic nerve pit, speak with your ophthalmologist. 
 
For more scientific information on optic pits, see https://eyewiki.org/Optic_Pits.
 
 
                                                                                                                                                              

Updated 06/2023


#Conditions
Revised By: Marlo Russell Revised On: Jun 16, 2023 11:42 AM
Characters Edited: 147 Total: 6042
4. Optic Nerve Pit

Print Version

WHAT IS AN OPTIC NERVE PIT?

 
An optic nerve pit is a small pocket or hole near the optic nerve (the nerve that connects the eye to the brain). It happens when the eye does not develop properly before birth. About 1 in 11,000 people have an optic nerve pit. Usually, it affects one eye, but in 15% of children, it can be seen in both eyes. 
 
See Figure 1, which shows a normal optic nerve with an orange-pink circle and a yellow-white center. See Figure 2, which shows a nerve with a pit. There is an extra area of lighter color at the bottom of the orange-pink circle; this is the pit.

Fig. 1: Normal optic nerve.

Fig. 2: Optic nerve pit. See how it is lighter in color at the bottom. This is where the hole or pocket forms in the nerve.
 
 

HOW IS THE OPTIC PIT DIAGNOSED?

 
An optic nerve pit is most often diagnosed by an ophthalmologist during a routine eye exam. 
 
If the optic nerve pit affects the vision, extra testing may be used like fluorescein angiography (a special test that uses a dye and a camera to look at the blood flow in the back of the eye) or optical coherence tomography (OCT, a special test that looks at the thickness of the back of the eye). 
 

WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF THE OPTIC PIT ON VISION?

 
The pit itself usually does not affect vision, and most people do not have any symptoms for a long time, if ever. However, about half of patients with symptoms start having vision changes in their 20s or 30s. 
 
Vision problems occur when fluid builds up under the center part of the retina (the inner lining of the back of the eye). If fluid builds up under the retina, it can cause blurry vision, distorted/stretched/wavy vision, and objects to appear smaller than they are.
 

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT OF THE OPTIC PIT?

 
Unfortunately, there is no treatment for the optic pit itself or a way to prevent fluid build-up. However, monitoring and regular follow-up with your ophthalmologist are necessary to look for fluid build-up and blurry vision because that may be treatable.
 
In some cases, the fluid under the retina goes away on its own with rest and monitoring. In other cases, eye surgery may be needed to remove the fluid. However, even with the right treatment, vision may not fully return to normal.
 
 
If you have more questions about an optic nerve pit, speak with your ophthalmologist. 
 
For more scientific information on optic pits, see https://eyewiki.org/Optic_Pits.
 
 
                                                                                                                                                                     Updated 06/2023


#Conditions
Revised By: Marlo Russell Revised On: Jun 16, 2023 11:37 AM
Characters Edited: -5757 Total: 5895
3. Optic Nerve Pit

Print Version

WHAT IS AN OPTIC NERVE PIT?

 

An optic nerve pit is a small pocket or hole near the optic nerve (the nerve that connects the eye to the brain). It happens when the eye does not develop properly before birth. About 1 in 11,000 people have an optic nerve pit. Usually, it affects one eye, but in 15% of children, it can be seen in both eyes.

 

See Figure 1, which shows a normal optic nerve with an orange-pink circle and a yellow-white center. See Figure 2, which shows a nerve with a pit. There is an extra area of lighter color at the bottom of the orange-pink circle; this is the pit.

Fig. 1: Normal optic nerve.

Fig. 2: Optic nerve pit. See how it is lighter in color at the bottom. This is where the hole or pocket forms in the nerve.

HOW IS THE OPTIC PIT DIAGNOSED?

 

An optic nerve pit is most often diagnosed by an ophthalmologist during a routine eye exam.

 

If the optic nerve pit affects the vision, extra testing may be used like fluorescein angiography (a special test that uses a dye and a camera to look at the blood flow in the back of the eye) or optical coherence tomography (OCT, a special test that looks at the thickness of the back of the eye).

 

WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF THE OPTIC PIT ON VISION?

 

The pit itself usually does not affect vision, and most people do not have any symptoms for a long time, if ever. However, about half of patients with symptoms start having vision changes in their 20s or 30s.

 

Vision problems occur when fluid builds up under the center part of the retina (the inner lining of the back of the eye). If fluid builds up under the retina, it can cause blurry vision, distorted/stretched/wavy vision, and objects to appear smaller than they are.

 

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT OF THE OPTIC PIT?

 

Unfortunately, there is no treatment for the optic pit itself or a way to prevent fluid build-up. However, monitoring and regular follow-up with your ophthalmologist are necessary to look for fluid build-up and blurry vision because that may be treatable.

 

In some cases, the fluid under the retina goes away on its own with rest and monitoring. In other cases, eye surgery may be needed to remove the fluid. However, even with the right treatment, vision may not fully return to normal.

 

 

If you have more questions about an optic nerve pit, speak with your ophthalmologist.

 

For more scientific information on optic pits, see https://eyewiki.org/Optic_Pits.

Updated 6/2023


#Conditions
Revised By: Marlo Russell Revised On: Jun 16, 2023 11:32 AM
Characters Edited: 3132 Total: 11652
2. Optic Nerve Pit

Print Version

What is an optic nerve pit?

An optic nerve pit is a small pocket or hole next to the optic nerve. A very small amount of the retina pushes backwards through that pocket. This pit is something that the child is born with and is a result of problems with growth of the eye in the womb during pregnancy. It usually occurs in one eye, however in 15% of children it may be seen in both eyes. See figure 1 where it shows a normal optic nerve with an orange pink circle and a yellow white center. See figure 2 which shows a nerve with a pit. There is an extra area of lighter color at the bottom of the orang pink circle.

Fig. 1: Normal optic nerve.

Fig. 2: Optic nerve pit. See how it is lighter in color at the bottom. This is where the hole or pocket in the nerve is.

How is optic pit diagnosed?

If the pit is not causing vision problems, the patient will not notice anything. An optic nerve pit is most often found during a routine eye exam. Most cases are diagnosed by an ophthalmologist examining the optic nerve and retina. If the optic nerve pit affects the vision, extra testing  may be used like fluorescein angiography of the retina or OCT.

What is the effect of optic pit on vision?

The pit itself does not usually affect vision and most patients do not have any symptoms for many years if ever. About half of patients start having vision changes in their 20’s or 30’s. It is very uncommon for a child with an optic pit to have symptoms. Vision symptoms happen when there is a build up of fluid  under the center part of the retina (the macula). The retina is the part of the eye that collects light and send that light to the brain to form a picture. If fluid builds up under the retina, the cells are not able to form a clear signal and vision can be blurry.

What is the treatment of optic pit?

There is no treatment required for the optic pit itself, and there is nothing that can be done to avoid the build up of fluid and the associated decrease in vision if it happens. Treatment is given after the fluid builds up. In some cases, the fluid  goes away  without doing anything. In such cases the doctor may ask  the patient to limit activity for some time and to come for frequent follow up visits. In other cases, surgery (called vitrectomy, laser or scleral buckle) may be required to clear the fluid. Even with the right treatment, vision may not return to normal.

If you have more questions about an optic nerve pit, speak with your ophthalmologist.

For more scientific information on optic pits see: https://eyewiki.org/Optic_Pits

Posted 03/2023


#Conditions
Revised By: Christina Scott Revised On: Mar 28, 2023 5:37 PM
Characters Edited: -31 Total: 8520
1. Optic Nerve Pit

Print Version

What is an optic nerve pit?

An optic nerve pit is a small pocket or hole next to the optic nerve. A very small amount of the retina pushes backwards through that pocket. This pit is something that the child is born with and is a result of problems with growth of the eye in the womb during pregnancy. It usually occurs in one eye, however in 15% of children it may be seen in both eyes. See figure 1 where it shows a normal optic nerve with an orange pink circle and a yellow white center. See figure 2 which shows a nerve with a pit. There is an extra area of lighter color at the bottom of the orang pink circle.

Fig. 1: Normal optic nerve.

Fig. 2: Optic nerve pit. See how it is lighter in color at the bottom. This is where the hole or pocket in the nerve is.

How is optic pit diagnosed?

If the pit is not causing vision problems, the patient will not notice anything. An optic nerve pit is most often found during a routine eye exam. Most cases are diagnosed by an ophthalmologist examining the optic nerve and retina. If the optic nerve pit affects the vision, extra testing  may be used like fluorescein angiography of the retina or OCT.

What is the effect of optic pit on vision?

The pit itself does not usually affect vision and most patients do not have any symptoms for many years if ever. About half of patients start having vision changes in their 20’s or 30’s. It is very uncommon for a child with an optic pit to have symptoms. Vision symptoms happen when there is a build up of fluid  under the center part of the retina (the macula). The retina is the part of the eye that collects light and send that light to the brain to form a picture. If fluid builds up under the retina, the cells are not able to form a clear signal and vision can be blurry.

What is the treatment of optic pit?

There is no treatment required for the optic pit itself, and there is nothing that can be done to avoid the build up of fluid and the associated decrease in vision if it happens. Treatment is given after the fluid builds up. In some cases, the fluid  goes away  without doing anything. In such cases the doctor may ask  the patient to limit activity for some time and to come for frequent follow up visits. In other cases, surgery (called vitrectomy, laser or scleral buckle) may be required to clear the fluid. Even with the right treatment, vision may not return to normal.

If you have more questions about an optic nerve pit, speak with your ophthalmologist.

For more scientific information on optic pits see: https://eyewiki.org/Optic_Pits

Posted 03/2023


#Conditions
Revised By: Christina Scott Revised On: Mar 28, 2023 5:34 PM
Characters Edited: 0 Total: 8551