Optic disc size, an important consideration in the glaucoma evaluation

Abstract

As primary eye care providers, optometrists must sort through various historical and clinical information to properly diagnose and manage glaucoma. Clinicians routinely use the cup-to-disc ratio as an indicator of the health of the optic nerve. Specifically, alleging that a large cup-to-disc ratio indicates optic nerve damage. Research has shown that the optic disc and optic cup dimensions vary widely in the normal population. Simple clinical techniques exist for measuring the size of the optic disc, thereby allowing for a better understanding of the cup-to-disc ratio.