Biomorphometry of the optic disc

This review describes the goals and methods for biomorphometry of the papilla. Until a few years ago, analogue methods were used to process fundus photographs, but today digitized and computerized methods are applied. Thus, the examination has become considerably simplified and clinically practical. Two main points are discussed in connection with these modern methods. First, biomorphometry provides data useful for the understanding of glaucoma. Papillary size is meaningful with regard to the sensitivity of the papilla to pressure, and reversal of cupping depends on pressure as well. Second, for longitudinal studies to be dependable, the clinically applied methods must have a very small margin of error so that an observed papillary change can be ascribed to disease, and not to methodologic errors.