A 46-year-old member asked:
How serious is papilledema?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Can be: But if someone found it in your eyes, they should be working it up.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Howard Pomeranzanswered
Ophthalmology 30 years experience
Papilledema : Papilledema is a very serious condition where the optic nerves are swollen because of higher than normal spinal fluid pressure in the brain and can lead to permanent vision loss and damage to the optic nerve if the reason for the high pressure is not treated promptly
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 39-year-old member asked:
Is papilledema serious?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
Yes: Papilledema is the swelling of one's optic nerves due to increased intracranial pressure (icp). The cause of the increased icp must be investigated, usually with brain imaging and possibly with a lumbar puncture. There are also many causes of optic nerve swelling that are not due to increased icp (hence they are not called papilledema). Optic nerve swelling can cause loss of vision over time.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Is papilledema a serious condition?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Tim Conradanswered
Ophthalmology 36 years experience
Yes: Papilledema means a swollen optic nerve from increased intracranial pressure. The increased pressure must be investigated and treated. Otherwise the optic nerve may become damaged and you will become blind. Also the cause of the increased pressure could be life-threatening as well.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
What is papilledema?
3 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in

Dr. Richard Scartozzianswered
Ophthalmology - Retinal Surgery 21 years experience
Optic nerve swelling: Due to increased intracranial pressure. Papilledema can cause permanent damage to one's vision if the intracranial pressure is not lowered to a normal level.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Mar 1, 2014
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $19/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.