Clinical Findings
Understanding clinical signs and findings your doctor may observe during examination. These guides explain what each finding means and its significance for your diagnosis.
14 finding guides reviewed by board-certified specialists
Related: Associated conditions • Diagnostic tests
Optic Disc Edema (Swelling)
Swelling of the optic disc that can be caused by increased intracranial pressure, inflammation, or other conditions.
Drusen
Yellow deposits that accumulate under the retina, commonly associated with aging and age-related macular degeneration. Different from optic disc drusen.
Optic Atrophy
Pallor (pale color) of the optic disc indicating damage or death of optic nerve fibers.
Papilledema
Swelling of the optic disc caused by increased pressure inside the skull. An important finding that requires urgent evaluation to identify the underlying cause.
Altitudinal Visual Field Defect
Loss of vision in the upper or lower half of the visual field, typically respecting the horizontal midline. Often indicates optic nerve or retinal disease.
Bitemporal Hemianopia
Loss of peripheral vision on both sides (temporal fields), typically caused by compression of the optic chiasm from a pituitary tumor or other midline lesion.
Homonymous Hemianopia
Loss of vision on the same side (left or right) in both eyes, caused by damage to the brain's visual pathways, often from stroke.
Quadrantanopia
Loss of vision in one quarter of the visual field, indicating damage to a specific part of the brain's visual pathways.