Anatomy and evaluation of the optic nerve head

Anatomia e avaliação da cabeça do nervo óptico

ABSTRACT

Evaluation of the optic disc is important for the correct diagnosis and follow-up of optic neuropathies, especially glaucoma. The characteristics of the optic disc depend on various factors, including demographic and population aspects, and analysis of these characteristics may vary according to the methods used. The size and format of the neural rim along with the nerve fiber layer are important to the clinician’s judgment regarding the susceptibility of the subject to develop glaucoma. In this study, we reviewed the literature to summarize the main methods and its characteristics in the evaluation of the optic nerve head.

Keywords:
Glaucoma; Optic nerve; Optic nerve disease; Optic disk