Visual field loss due to optic nerve cupping is related to which condition?

Optic nerve cupping is a characteristic finding associated with glaucoma, which is a condition that can lead to progressive damage to the optic nerve. This damage often results from increased intraocular pressure, although it can also occur with normal intraocular pressure in what is referred to as normal-tension glaucoma.

As the optic nerve becomes cupped, it indicates a loss of nerve fiber and subsequent loss of visual field, leading to specific patterns of vision impairment. Individuals with glaucoma frequently experience peripheral vision loss initially, which can eventually progress to tunnel vision or total blindness if not treated effectively.

In contrast, retinitis pigmentosa primarily affects the retina and leads to night blindness and peripheral vision loss, but it is not characterized by optic nerve cupping. Cataracts lead to clouding of the lens and affect clarity of vision, not the optic nerve directly. Lastly, diabetic retinopathy results from damage to the blood vessels in the retina and does not involve changes to the optic nerve morphology like cupping. Therefore, the link between optic nerve cupping and glaucoma underscores the relationship between intraocular pressure and optic nerve health, which is crucial for understanding the implications of this condition in vision loss.