The optic nerve head is a major landmark in fundoscopic examination. Many a times though the disc looks completely normal yet it harbors a major underlying disease. Congenital anomalies 1. Maternal diabetes and intake of substances during the first trimester like alcohol, steroids and insulin are associated factors. Retinoscopy gives the clue to the underlying etiology.
Myopic discs are larger and surrounded by a white crescent of bare sclera.
On the temporal side , the cup to disc ratio is bigger and can mimick glaucomatous cupping. The myelinating process which is completed by the ninth month of gestation sometimes extends onto the surface of the disc or surrounding retina in a radiating fashion causing feathery white patches. The condition is usually benign. The optic nerve head is typically small and full also mimicking papilledema. A clue to the diagnosis is their autofluorescence when viewed through a fundus camera before injecting the dye in fluorescin angioraphy.