Changes in the optic disc over a five-year interval: the Beaver Dam Eye Study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the relationship of change in vertical optic disc cupping to change in intraocular pressure over a five-year interval.


METHODS
Non-simultaneous stereoscopic photographs were taken of optic discs of participants in the baseline and follow-up examinations of The Beaver Dam Eye Study cohort. Optic discs and cups were measured and other disc features were graded according to a standard protocol by trained graders. Intraocular pressures were measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry.


RESULTS
Change in pressure was significantly associated with change in vertical cup-to-disc ratio. Incident disc hemorrhage, flattened temporal rim, notching, cup reaching disc margin, and undercutting were not significantly associated with change in intraocular pressure.


CONCLUSIONS
Change in intraocular pressure in this adult population was associated with increased optic disc cupping. This finding, if confirmed, would lend support to the practice of periodic follow-up of older adults who have shown changes in their intraocular pressure.
Klein
B E
BE
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison 53705-2397, USA.
Klein
R
R
Jensen
S C
SC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008875:Middle Aged; D009898:Optic Disk / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010781:Photography; D013997:Time Factors