[Research advances of optic nerve lamina cribrosa structure and its measurement analysis]

The lamina cribrosa (LC) is believed to be site of injury to retina ganglion cell axons in glaucoma. The ability to visualize this structure helps us increase the understanding of pathophysiological process of glaucoma. At the same time, it is helpful in the early detection and treatment of glaucoma. While for many years the researches on the LC were essentially dependent on histology. With the development of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in recent years, it is possible to image the LC in vivo in both animals and human. This review focused on the biomechanics of optic nerve and LC, recent advances in OCT imaging of LC, imaging processing and analysis. All of these will supply the ability to diagnose and monitor glaucoma, as well as to expand our recognition of its pathophysiology. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2016, 52: 952-956).