Head & neck · Nerve
Optic Nerve
The optic nerve carries visual information from the eye to the brain. Damage to it — for example from glaucoma — can cause permanent loss of vision.
What it is
The optic nerve is the cranial nerve of sight, a bundle of over a million fibres connecting the back of each eye to the brain.
Where it runs
From the back of the eye, through the skull, to the visual centres of the brain.
What it does
Transmits the visual signals created by the retina to the brain, where they become the images we see.
When things go wrong
Common problems affecting the optic nerve
- Glaucoma (optic nerve damage, often from raised eye pressure)
- Optic neuritis (inflammation, sometimes linked to MS)
- Damage from injury
Education and reference only. This explains the anatomy in plain terms and is not a diagnosis. New weakness or numbness, facial drooping, or loss of bladder or bowel control can be an emergency — call 999.
Did you know?
An interesting fact
The point where the optic nerve leaves the eye has no light-sensing cells, creating a natural "blind spot" your brain fills in automatically.
Answers
Optic Nerve: frequently asked questions
What does the optic nerve do?
It carries visual information from the eye to the brain so we can see.
Why is glaucoma serious?
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, often silently, and lost vision cannot be recovered — which is why regular eye tests to detect it early are so important.
Related nerves
Explore head & neck nerves
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Nervous system
- Gray's Anatomy for Students
- TeachMeAnatomy — nervous system
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