Increase of pallor and fluorescein-filling defects of the optic disc in the follow-up of ocular hypertensives measured by computerized image analysis.

In 24 ocular hypertensive patients, two optic disc fluorescein angiograms were obtained a mean of 3.9 years apart. Using computerized image analysis, we measured the area of pallor and the fluorescein-filling defect area within the disc and the fluorescein circulation parameters representing the filling rates of optic disc, choroid, and retinal vessels. The results indicated that increase in pallor and fluorescein-filling defect areas, as well as a slowed filling rate of the retinal veins, correlated with glaucomatous progression.