Finding library
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.
17 finding guides reviewed by ophthalmology clinicians
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.
Optic Disc Cupping
What the cup-to-disc ratio in your eye exam means, why it matters for glaucoma, and how a high or asymmetric cup is interpreted.
Pseudopapilledema
An optic disc that looks elevated but is not truly swollen. Distinguishing pseudopapilledema from real papilledema avoids unnecessary workup.
Anisocoria (Unequal Pupils)
A difference in pupil size between the two eyes, which may be normal or indicate an underlying condition.
Light-Near Dissociation
A pupil finding where the pupils respond poorly to light but constrict normally to a near target - an important clue to several neurological conditions.
Relative Afferent Pupillary Defect (RAPD)
A pupil finding indicating damage to the optic nerve or retina on one side, detected with the swinging flashlight test.
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.
Cherry-Red Spot
A vivid red spot at the center of a pale macula - a striking and clinically important finding pointing to retinal artery occlusion or specific metabolic diseases.
Cotton-Wool Spots
Fluffy white patches on the retina seen during a dilated eye exam. They reflect small areas of nerve fiber damage and have many possible causes.