[Computerized image analysis in the glaucomatous optic disc color changes]

Abstract

The disc rim color changes in 40 eyes with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) were studied using a computerized color analysis system. Optic disc color was evaluated by quantification of the red ratio based on the analyzed level of red, green, and blue elements. The correlation among the changes in neuroretinal rim color, visual field and cup area to disc area ratio (C/D.A) was evaluated. In 18 eyes in the early stage, with total initial loss less than 100 dB, the disc color change correlated with both mean sensitivity decrease (Pearson's r = 0.7410, p = 0.0004) and C/D. A increase (Pearson's r = 0.4698, p = 0.0492). In 22 eyes in the middle stage with total initial loss over 100 dB, the disc color variation correlated with mean sensitivity loss (Pearson's r = 0.7503, p < 0.0001) but not with C/D. A (Pearson's r = 0.2980, p = 0.1780). Neuroretinal rim color changes correlated with the value of mean sensitivity loss at any stage of POAG. These results suggest that neuroretinal rim color change in eyes at an early stage depend on a different histological change from that in the middle stage in POAG.