Frequent disc photography and computerized perimetry in eyes with optic disc haemorrhage. A pilot study.

Two patients (one with glaucoma with field loss, one with ocular hypertension) with previously known optic disc haemorrhage were followed with frequent disc photography, computerized perimetry and tonometry for a period of one year. Nine haemorrhages were seen in three of the four eyes studied. Three bleedings showed sudden enlargements, interpreted as re-bleedings, during the absorption phase. Haemorrhages were not associated with any stepwise localized or general worsening of the visual field, nor did the fields deteriorate during the period of the study. No structural changes of the optic nerve head were seen after the bleedings during the observation time of one year. The duration of the haemorrhages varied, but no bleeding lasted less than one week. Before disappearing they were often so small that they could only be detected when series of photographs were examined in chronological order. Haemorrhages large enough to be discernible on isolated slides were present in 20% of the disc photographs. Thus disc haemorrhages are transient and easy to overlook. Many careful observations may be necessary before the first haemorrhage is seen. Each individual bleeding is a minor vascular incident which usually leaves no measurable functional or structural trace.