OPTIC DISK APPEARANCE IN OCULAR HYPERTENSIVE EYES

We examined the optic disk appearance in ocular hypertensive eyes that had a normal result of conventional computed perimetry. Color stereo- optic disk photographs of 104 ocular hypertensive subjects and of 216 normal individuals were morphometrically evaluated. In the ocular hype rtensive eyes as compared to normal eyes, significant differences (P < .0001) were detected for a smaller area and an abnormal shape of the n euroretinal rim, larger zones alpha and beta of the parapapillary chor ioretinal atrophy, a decreased visibility of the retinal nerve fiber l ayer, and a higher frequency of localized nerve fiber layer defects. T he variables most useful to indicate optic nerve damage were an abnorm al shape of the neuroretinal rim and a decreased visibility of the ner ve fiber layer. The most specific variable was the presence of localiz ed retinal nerve fiber layer defects. Evaluation of these variables ma y be helpful for the early diagnosis of glaucoma.