Evaluation of optic disc changes in severe myopia.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the changes in the optic nerve head in highly myopic subjects 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 refractive 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 cycloplegic refraction, corneal curvature, biometric axial length, and morphometric 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 mildly myopic eyes. However, regression analysis revealed that the optic disc area increased with axial length in subjects with severe myopia. The cup/disc ratio, the disc depth, the neuroretinal rim area, and the tilting of the disc were not significantly different between the severe and mild myopia groups.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings may be useful in further investigations of myopic progression and of the mechanisms responsible for the development of myopic complications.
Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
T H
TH
Wang
S Y
SY
Lin
Y F
YF
Shih
J K
JK
Huang
L L
LL
Lin
P T
PT
Hung
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009216:Myopia / Q000473:pathology*; D009898:Optic Disk / Q000473:pathology*