Purpose: This study aimed at evaluation of patients diagnosed as optic disc oedema in terms of demographics, aetiology and clinical presentation.

Methods: This prospective, noninterventional hospital based study was conducted between January 2018 and November 2019. 100 cases of disc edema were included by consecutive sampling and comprehensive examination was done including BVCA, pupillary reaction, colour vision, detailed slit lamp examination, intraocular pressure, fundus examination, fundus photograph. CSF manometry, Lumbar Puncture, CT and MRI scan and OCT for RNFL assessment were performed as and when required. 

Results: The most common cause of the disc edema was papilloedema (54%) followed by optic neuritis (18%); optic neuropathies (9%); pseudopapilledema (7%); diabetic papillopathy (5%). Most common age group affected was 21-40 years (39%).  Our study population had Male to Female ratio of 1:1.1. Bilateral disc edema was 3.5 times more common than unilateral presentation. Space occupying lesions were found to be most common cause of Papilledema. Decreased vision and headache was main symptom reported by majority of patients.

Conclusion: From this study it was concluded that papilledema and optic neuritis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with optic disc swelling. Bilateral disc swelling Could be due to  papilledema, the first investigation should be urgent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plus magnetic resonance venography (MRV) to exclude a brain tumor or dural venous sinus thrombosis. With newer imaging technique like OCT, it is possible to differentiate pseudo from true optic disc oedema, also to recognise the aetiology.