Cupping on fundoscopy most strongly suggests which condition?

Cupping on fundoscopy most strongly suggests which condition?

• A. Retinal detachment
• B. Increased intraocular pressure or glaucoma
• C. Macular degeneration
• D. Optic neuritis

Answer: (B)

Cupping on fundoscopy signals glaucomatous optic neuropathy from chronic elevated intraocular pressure. As retinal ganglion cells are lost, the neuroretinal rim thins and the optic cup enlarges, producing an increased cup-to-disc ratio. This excavation is a hallmark of glaucoma and can be seen even when vision is still relatively preserved, though it may progress with field losses like arcuate scotomas. In contrast, retinal detachment presents with detached retina symptoms; macular degeneration shows drusen and central vision loss; optic neuritis typically has acute painful vision loss with initial disc swelling rather than excavation. So cupping most strongly points to glaucoma.

Cupping on fundoscopy signals glaucomatous optic neuropathy from chronic elevated intraocular pressure. As retinal ganglion cells are lost, the neuroretinal rim thins and the optic cup enlarges, producing an increased cup-to-disc ratio. This excavation is a hallmark of glaucoma and can be seen even when vision is still relatively preserved, though it may progress with field losses like arcuate scotomas. In contrast, retinal detachment presents with detached retina symptoms; macular degeneration shows drusen and central vision loss; optic neuritis typically has acute painful vision loss with initial disc swelling rather than excavation. So cupping most strongly points to glaucoma.