Fluorescein angiographic defects of the optic disc in glaucoma
B. Schwartz, J. C. Rieser and S. L. Fishbein
An improved technique for high-contast, high-resolution fluorescein
angiography of the optic disc has been developed that almost eliminates
pseudofluorescence. Fluorescein angiography of the optic disc was performed
on normal, ocular hypertensive, and glaucomatous patients. Rapid-sequence
angiograms in the early arterial phases have demonstrated localized areas
of hypofluorescence or filling defects of the optic disc. Two types of
fluorescein filling defects were observed-absolute and relative. The number
of absolute filling defects, which increased with degree of visual field
loss, was greater in glaucomatous than in ocular hypertensive or normal
eyes. Similarly, ocular hypertensive eyes showed a larger number of discs
with filling defects than normal eyes. It is postulated that relative
defects progress to absolute filling defects, which may be an indication of
impending loss of visual field.
