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Related Concept Videos

Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways01:22

Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways

At the molecular level, visual signals trigger transformations in photopigment molecules, resulting in changes in the photoreceptor cell's membrane potential. The photon's energy level is denoted by its wavelength, with each specific wavelength of visible light associated with a distinct color. The spectral range of visible light, classified as electromagnetic radiation, spans from 380 to 720 nm. Electromagnetic radiation wavelengths exceeding 720 nm fall under the infrared category, whereas...
Anatomy of the Eyeball01:20

Anatomy of the Eyeball

The eye is a spherical, hollow structure composed of three tissue layers. The outer layer — the fibrous tunic, comprises the sclera — a white structure — and the cornea, which is transparent. The sclera encompasses some of the ocular surface, most of which is not visible. However, the 'white of the eye' is distinctively visible in humans compared to other species. The cornea, a clear covering at the front of the eye, enables light penetration. The eye's middle layer, the vascular tunic,...
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Diabetic Retinopathy

DefinitionDiabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the retinal blood vessels.Risk FactorsDiabetic retinopathy is present in almost all individuals with type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of those with type 2 diabetes after two decades of disease.The risk increases with poor glycemic control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, pregnancy, and puberty.Although cataracts and glaucoma are also more frequent in people with diabetes, retinopathy remains the leading...
Glaucoma: Overview01:25

Glaucoma: Overview

Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
Focusing of Light in the Eye01:16

Focusing of Light in the Eye

Light rays enter the eye through the cornea, a transparent dome-shaped tissue that is the eye's outermost layer. The cornea bends or refracts, light rays traveling to the pupil. The shape of the cornea determines how much of the light is bent and whether the image will be focused correctly on the retina at the back of the eye. Once the light has passed through both refraction layers, it converges into a single focal point onto a small area. This is where photoreceptors start transforming...
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Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings I: Inspection and Palpation

In a cardiovascular examination, inspection and palpation are crucial for identifying abnormalities.
Abnormal findings observed during an inspection

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Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Ex Vivo OCT-Based Multimodal Imaging of Human Donor Eyes for Research into Age-Related Macular Degeneration
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Published on: May 26, 2023

Abnormalities of the optic disc.

Alfredo A Sadun1, Michelle Y Wang

  • 1Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurosurgery, Doheny Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA. asadun@usc.edu

Handbook of Clinical Neurology
|May 24, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The optic disc offers a unique view into the central nervous system (CNS). Abnormalities here can signal eye diseases, developmental issues, or CNS conditions like increased intracranial pressure.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Ophthalmology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • The optic disc is the anterior portion of the optic nerve, representing a direct extension of the central nervous system (CNS).
  • Fundus examination of the optic disc provides insights into CNS health, as many neurological diseases manifest visually.
  • Optic disc abnormalities can indicate ocular conditions (e.g., glaucoma), developmental disorders, or neurological issues (e.g., elevated intracranial pressure).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the optic disc's significance as a window into the CNS.
  • To discuss the diverse pathologies affecting the optic disc, leading to optic atrophy or edema.
  • To introduce advanced imaging techniques for quantifying optic nerve damage.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on optic disc pathology and CNS manifestations.
  • Discussion of clinical signs and symptoms associated with optic disc abnormalities.
  • Introduction of optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a quantitative imaging tool.

Main Results:

  • Optic disc examination is crucial for diagnosing a range of conditions, from glaucoma to CNS diseases.
  • Optic atrophy, resulting from axonal loss, can be caused by numerous systemic and neurological diseases.
  • Diseases like intracranial masses and optic neuropathies can cause optic disc edema preceding atrophy.

Conclusions:

  • The optic disc serves as a vital diagnostic site for both ocular and neurological conditions.
  • Optical coherence tomography (OCT) enables precise measurement of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, aiding in disease assessment and treatment monitoring for CNS disorders like multiple sclerosis.