Topographical analysis of the optic nerve in migraine patients.

PURPOSE: Vascular dysfunction appears related to the development of migraines and has been associated with pressure-independent glaucoma. The purpose of this study is to investigate possible topographical differences in the optic nerve between migraine sufferers and normal age-matched control subjects. The identification of optic disc topographical differences between migraine and non-migraine sufferers may help clinicians determine if the presence of migraine influences the development and progression of glaucoma. METHODS: Sixty consecutively seen patient-volunteers (30 subjects in migraine group: mean age 37.7 years, range from 19 to 66 years, 28 females and 2 males; 30 subjects in the control group: mean age 37.6 years, range from 19 to 61 years, 29 females and 1 male) were categorized as either migraine patients or control group subjects. All migraine subjects had been medically diagnosed with a migraine syndrome and were being treated with prophylactic medication. Optic nerve head topographical analysis was performed using a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope. The data was evaluated using generalized estimating equations, a priori and post hoc power analysis. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in any of the optic nerve parameters examined between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that the optic nerve parameters as measured by the Heidelberg retinal tomograph II do not differ between migraine sufferers and age-matched control subjects.