Glaucomatous cupping--appearance, pathogenesis, detection.

Increased optic disc cupping has long been associated with glaucoma. In this paper the appearance, pathogenesis, and detection of glaucomatous cupping is reviewed. Emphasis is given to the increase in cup-disc ratio and appearance of the peripapillary area as being diagnostic of glaucomatous atrophy. The vascular theory for producing these changes is outlined and represents the most comprehensive attempt at explaining the changes of the disc in glaucoma.