Skip to main content
papilledema

papilledema

1 9.9
Swelling at the back of the eye where the optic nerve enters, usually from high pressure in the head
  • noun
  • /ˌpæpɪlɪˈdimə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : papiledema
  • After examining the patient's vision, the ophthalmologist diagnosed papilledema, alerting the need for further testing.

Examples

  • These ophthalmologic signs include color vision changes, optic disc pallor, papilledema, and a decrease in venous pulsations.

    Academic text (2002)
  • Fundus examination showed bilateral papilledema; the examination showed no other abnormalities.

    Academic text (2009)
  • Funduscopic examination revealed features of papilledema.

    Academic text (2007)
  • Papilledema was ruled out by an ophthalmologic examination.

    Academic text (2001)
  • Repeated ophthalmologic consultations continued to rule out papilledema.

    Academic text (2001)
  • I did a fundoscopic examination and found papilledema and petechiae of the retina.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • During the eye exam, the doctor noted swelling of the optic disc, indicating papilledema.

  • The neurologist explained that papilledema can signify increased intracranial pressure.

How Severe

papilledema
  • Specialized
1 9.9
glaucomatous
  • Specialized
8.8

Surface Forms

papilledema singular
papilledemas plural

Morphology

papilledema = papilla + edema (opaque) = papilla + edema

Formally composed of 'papilla' + 'edema', so the morphological pieces are identifiable, but understanding requires medical knowledge of what 'papilla' refers to (the optic disc).

Etymology

Papilledema comes from two parts: papilla, meaning 'small nipple-like bump', and edema, meaning 'swelling'. So papilledema is the swelling of the little bump where the optic nerve enters the eye, usually caused by increased pressure.