Papilled edema is best described as which of the following?

• A. Occlusion of the ophthalmic vein, swollen optic nerves
• B. Inflammation of the optic nerve due to infection
• C. Degeneration of the macula
• D. Retinal detachment

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is optic disc swelling caused by increased intracranial pressure. Papilledema presents as edema of the optic nerve head, so the description that mentions swollen optic nerves best fits this condition.

Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve and often causes painful vision loss, not just swelling of the nerve head. Macular degeneration affects the central retina (the macula) and leads to central vision loss, not disc swelling. Retinal detachment involves separation of the retina, with different symptoms like flashes or a curtain-vision, not optic disc edema.