| Brain tumor | Good visual acuities, optic disc swelling often bilateral and symmetric |
| Optic neuritis | Positive relative afferent pupillary defect, not associated with macular exudates |
| Hypertensive papilledema | Enlarged blind spot, flame-shape hemorrhage, cotton wool spot, bilateral involvement |
| Neuroretinitis | Macular star, hyperemic disc, congested retinal vein |
| Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy | Prominent relative afferent pupillary defect, disc swelling may be sectorial or pale in case of giant cell arteritis |