Cupping of optic disc is seen in: March 2004
**Core Concept**
Optic disc cupping refers to the enlargement of the optic cup, which is the depression within the optic disc. This condition is often associated with glaucoma, a group of eye disorders that damage the optic nerve.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Optic disc cupping occurs due to the stretching and thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer, which is caused by increased intraocular pressure (IOP). The elevated IOP compresses the optic nerve head, leading to the formation of cupping. This is a hallmark sign of glaucoma, as the optic nerve head is susceptible to damage from high IOP. The retinal ganglion cells, which are responsible for transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain, are particularly vulnerable to damage from elevated IOP.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because cupping of the optic disc is not typically seen in conditions such as optic neuritis or optic atrophy, which primarily affect the optic nerve itself.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because while myopia can cause changes to the shape of the optic disc, it does not typically result in cupping.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In glaucoma, the optic disc cupping is often asymmetrical, with more pronounced cupping in the eye with higher intraocular pressure.
**Correct Answer: C. Glaucoma**