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Three-dimensional evaluation of optic disc pallor in open angle glaucoma
1Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston.
Acta Ophthalmologica
|June 1, 1993
Summary
Optic cup pallor, measured in three dimensions, increases with glaucoma severity. This measurement shows significant differences between normal, ocular hypertensive, and primary open-angle glaucoma patients, aiding in disease characterization.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Optic disc pallor is a clinical sign associated with glaucoma.
- Quantifying optic disc pallor may aid in diagnosing and monitoring glaucoma progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To three-dimensionally evaluate the extent of pallor on the walls of the optic cup.
- To compare optic cup pallor extents among normal individuals, ocular hypertensives, and primary open-angle glaucoma patients.
Main Methods:
- Simultaneous stereophotographs of optic discs were used.
- The study included 29 normal subjects, 29 ocular hypertensives, and 28 primary open-angle glaucoma patients.
- Pallor extent was measured in all four quadrants of the optic cup.
Main Results:
- Pallor was consistently located at the bottom of the optic cup and ascended its walls with increasing extent.
- Statistically significant differences in pallor extent were observed across all four quadrants.
- Glaucoma patients exhibited greater pallor extents than ocular hypertensives, who in turn had greater extents than normal individuals.
- The most substantial increase in mean pallor from normal to glaucoma occurred on the nasal and inferior walls.
Conclusions:
- Three-dimensional measurement of optic cup pallor reveals significant differences between normal, ocular hypertensive, and primary open-angle glaucoma groups.
- The differential extent of pallor, particularly on the nasal and inferior walls, may be a valuable biomarker for characterizing ocular hypertension and chronic open-angle glaucoma.