Background : Papilledema is relatively a common problem. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of papilledema in a group of Iranian patients referring to a neuroophthalmology clinic in Tehran, between 1997 and 1999.

Materials and methods : It was an existing data type study. Form medical files of patients, those who have diagnosed as papilledema were selected, then initial data including sex, age, clinical features, and accompanied findings were recorded.

Results : Of 739 patients referring to Farabi hospital, 36 (4.87% CI=95%, 3.4-6.4%) had diagnosed as papilledema. Of these, 52.7% were females and 47.3% were males. The most common etiologies were tumors (36.1%) and pseudotumor cerebri (25%). Of 36 affected patients, 35 had bilateral papilledema and one had unilateral disease with optic nerve atrophy. Headache (55.5%) and transient blurred vision (41.6%) were other prevalent symptoms.

Conclusion : Papilledema could be detected during ophthalmoscopy. With respect to its known complications, further studies are highly recommended.