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HomeMeetings & CoursesInternal Medicine MeetingOphthalmology Self-Guided Study Activity - Herbert S. Waxman Clinical Skills CenterThe Glaucomatous Disc

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)

    The Glaucomatous Disc