2020–2021 BCSC Basic and Clinical Science Course™
4 Ophthalmic Pathology and Intraocular Tumors
Part I: Ophthalmic Pathology
Chapter 15: Optic Nerve
Developmental Anomalies
Optic Pits
An optic pit is a developmental defect that is likely caused by incomplete embryonic fissure closure (Fig 15-3C). Clinically and histologically, there is a small depression in the optic disc that is associated with a defect in the lamina cribrosa. Histologically, herniation of dysplastic retina into the defect is typically found. Associated shallow serous macular detachments can be seen in 25%–75% of eyes with inferotemporal pits (Fig 15-3D). The source of the macular fluid remains unknown.
Excerpted from BCSC 2020-2021 series: Section 4 - Ophthalmic Pathology and Intraocular Tumors. For more information and to purchase the entire series, please visit https://www.aao.org/bcsc.