Ocular dimensions in low tension glaucoma compared with open-angle glaucoma and the normal.

Pathological excavation of the optic disc in the apparent absence of raised ocular tension was first described by von Graefe (1857), and since then it has aroused interest among ophthalmologists; various names have been given to it and these have reflected ideas about its aetiology. Schnabel (I885) described a cavernous optic atrophy which he believed had resulted from progressive diminution of blood supply to the optic disc, a view supported by Wolff (I947). Sjogren (1946) considered that open-angle glaucoma and low tension glaucoma were one and the same condition. Lyle (I957) suggested that the terms pseudo-glaucoma and low tension glaucoma should be replaced by arterosclerotic optic atrophy.