Evaluation of optic disc changes in severe myopia

Purpose: To evaluate the changes in the optic nerve head in highly myopic s ubjects by means of confocal laser scanning opthalmoscope. Methods: Using laser scanning and a three-dimensional image analysis system , we studied 114 young (21.4 +/- 1.4 years), highly myopic subjects with re fractive errors greater than -8.0 D and a control group of 29 subjects (18. 9 +/- 1.2 years) with myopia of -3.0 D or less, Measurements included cyclo plegic refraction, corneal curvature, biometric axial length, and morphomet ric values of the optic disc obtained with a laser scanning disc analyzer. Results: The optic disc area in highly myopic eyes was similar to that in m ildly myopic eyes. However, regression analysis revealed that the optic dis c area increased with axial length in subjects with severe myopia. The cup/ disc ratio, the disc depth, the neuroretinal rim area, and the Lilting of t he disc were not significantly different between the severe and mild myopia groups. Conclusions: These findings may be useful in further investigations of myop ic progression and of the mechanisms responsible far the development of:myo pic complications.