Simultaneous stereophotography. Its value in clinical assessment of the topography of the optic cup.

Simultaneous stereophotography achieves reproducible records of the optic cup topography. The clinical usefulness of sterophotographs remains unknown. This study compares the optic cup evaluation from contact lens examination with the evaluation from stereophotograph examination. Both methods of examination were used by each of 2 examiners to record their estimates of 12 parameters describing the optic cup topograhy. One eye of each of 50 patients was studied. In only 3 of the parameters studied were there statistically significant differences between the 2 methods of examination. Simultaneous stereophotography achieves a permanent record of the optic disc which is reproducible, objective and convenient. This method provides an excellent tool for following optic cup configuration.