Three‐dimensional evaluation of optic disc pallor in open angle glaucoma

We evaluated the extent of pallor on the walls of the optic cup three-dimensionally using simultaneous stereophotographs of the optic discs of 29 normals, 29 ocular hypertensives and 28 primary open angle glaucomas. Pallor was located at the bottom of the optic cup. Pallor ascends the walls of the cup as its extent increases. Statistically significant differences in the extent of pallor in all four quadrants of the optic cup were observed, with the glaucomas having greater extents of pallor than ocular hypertensives, and the ocular hypertensives greater than the normals. The greatest percentage increase in mean pallor from normals to open angle glaucomas occurred on the nasal and inferior walls. This differential extent of pallor could be useful in characterizing ocular hypertension and chronic open angle glaucoma.