The optic disc in glaucoma. I: Classification

Abstract

Five different descriptive types of glaucomatous optic discs are described, based on the examination of X2 magnification stereophotographs of 252 patients from the files of the Glaucoma Service at Wills Eye Hospital. The method of analysis is described in detail. These types include: overpass cupping, cupping without pallor of the neuroretinal rim, cupping with pallor of the neuroretinal rim, focal notching of the neuroretinal rim, and bean-pot cupping. These morphological types may be caused by variations in factors contributing to the pathogenesis of glaucomatous eyes. Recognition of these differing types may help in determining the factors in each case.