Scotoma

Scotoma is a term used in the field of Ophthalmology to describe an area of partial alteration in the field of vision consisting of a partially diminished or entirely degenerated visual acuity that is surrounded by a field of normal – or relatively well-preserved – vision.

Every normal mammalian eye has a scotoma in its field of vision, usually termed its blind spot. This is a location with no photoreceptor cells, where the retinal ganglion cell axons that compose the optic nerve exit the retina. This location is not perceived under normal circumstances because the other eye's field of vision compensates for the blind spot.

Causes

Scotomas can be caused by a variety of factors, including damage to the retina, damage to the optic nerve, or loss of vision due to a stroke. Other causes can include Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, and Diabetic Retinopathy.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a scotoma can include a dark or blurry spot in the vision, difficulty reading or seeing in low light, and a loss of color perception. The symptoms can vary depending on the cause of the scotoma.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a scotoma typically involves a visual field test, which can help to determine the location and size of the scotoma. Other tests may include a retinal examination, an optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan, and a fluorescein angiography.

Treatment

Treatment for a scotoma depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, treatment may involve medication or surgery. In other cases, treatment may involve managing the underlying condition that is causing the scotoma.

See also

• Visual field
• Blind spot
• Retina
• Optic nerve

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