How is papilledema treated?

Reduction in CSF production or increase in its outflow may reduce intracranial pressure. Weight reduction programs (in overweight patients) may be effective. Continuous drainage may be surgically accomplished by placing a catheter between the spinal canal and the abdomen (lumbo-peritoneal shunt). In patients with worsening visual fields or decrease in central acuity, who do not have severe headaches, an optic nerve sheath fenestration may protect the optic nerve from further damage. A small hole or multiple slits are placed in the optic nerve sheath just behind the eye using an operating microscope.