The Glaucomatous Disc

ILLUSTRATION: The disc is pale and cupped. The cup/disc ratio is 0.8, meaning that 8/10 of the total disc surface is cup. A small rim of pinkish, normal nerve tissue can be seen. This distinguishes glaucomatous disc atrophy from other neuropathies that affect the nerve head. Features of a glaucomatous disc are:

• Increased cup/disc ratio ( 0.5)
• Nasal displacement of vessels
• Notching of the cup rim
• Bayoneting of vessels (as they bend over the cup)
• Flame hemorrhage at the disc margin (not present in this case)