Change in Optic Disc Topography Associated with Diurnal Variation in Intraocular Pressure

Abstract

A case demonstrating significant changes in optic disc topography from variation in intraocular pressure (IOP) is demonstrated. Within a single 24-hour period, confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopic images were obtained in the left eye of a patient during an IOP peak (60 mmHg) and during an IOP trough (18 mmHg). During an IOP trough, paired t tests showed significant reduction in cup area, cup volume, mean cup depth, and maximum cup depth, and a significant increase in rim area and cup-to-disc (CD) ratio. Under certain conditions, optic disc topography may be affected by diurnal variations in IOP.