Change in the shape or position of that bend, as seen in subsequent photographs, is a sensitive indicator of disc change and can be monitored with computer analysis. Vessels that pass circumferentially across the temporal aspect of the cup are called circumlinear vessels. Baring of circumlinear vessels is seen because as the cup recedes, it exposes the vessel. It is seen commonly in glaucomatous cups but may be seen in normal cups as well. As the cup enlarges, its color often turns from pink to white in the terminal stages.
Cupping occurs slowly unless the pressure is very high.
In young children and infants, the elastic scleral rings allow disc cupping to be produced by pressure on the globe during examination of the patient under anesthesia. This is fully reversible. Reversal of disc cupping can be dramatic in young patients following surgical or medical lowering of intraocular pressure. Reversal is less dramatic in older patients, presumably because reduced elasticity of the scleral tissue in older patients does not allow the cup to resume its prior configuration. Also, cupping that results from actual loss of nerve tissue is unlikely to reverse.