Optic Disc: Anatomy, Function, and Related Eye Conditions

Published on February 21st, 2024

Updated on December 10th, 2024

The optic disc, also referred to as the optic nerve head, is located at the back of the eye, where the retina and optic nerve connect. According to All About Vision, the optic disc anatomy is characterised by a round, slightly raised section at the edge of the macula and the peripheral retina. Unlike other areas on the retina, the optic disc does not have photoreceptors (rods or cones). When light passes through the lens, it reaches the retina. The photoreceptors known as the rods and cones of the eye convert the light into electrical signals, which are then transported to the brain. This helps our brain interpret them as the images we see.

What is the Optic Disc?

The optic disc is a round region at the back of the eye and is where the retina and optic nerve connect. The optic disc is a slightly raised region located at the edge of the macula and peripheral retina according to All About Vision. It is the only spot on the retina that does not have any photoreceptors, therefore, forming a blind spot in the visual fields of the eyes according to Austen M. Smith; Craig N. Czyz (2022). Keep reading to learn more about what the optic disc is and its common problems.

What is the Structure of the Optic Disc?

The structure of the optic disc is round or oval-shaped and is found to be 1.88 and 1.77 mm in diameters according to H A. Quigley, A E. Brown, J D. Morrison, S M Drance (1990). The optic disc is structurally the start of the optic nerve and is also the position where the ganglion cells exit the eye to form the optic nerve.

Diagram shows where the optic disc is located in the eye.

What is the Colour of the Optic Disc?

The colour of the optic disc may range from yellow or orange to pink according to Science Direct.

Where is the Optic Disc Located in the Eyes?

The optic disc is located at the back of the eye. The optic disc location specifically, is in the retina of the eye, which is where the retinal vessels and sensory fibres enter through the eyeball. The retinal vessels help supply blood to the inner retinal neurons according to the National Institutes of Health.

Why is the Optic Disc a Blind Spot?

The optic disc is a blind spot as it does not have any photoreceptor cells to aid with detecting light. According to Michigan State University, the optic disc is the point at which the axons of the ganglion cells exit the retina to form the optic nerve. As a result, the optic disc lacks rods and cones, making it a blind spot.

What is the Function of the Optic Disc?

The function of the optic disc is its position at the start of the optic nerve and is the region where the axons of the ganglion cells gather to form the optic nerve. The optic disc function is also its position where the retina and optic nerve connect according to All About Vision.

How Does the Optic Disc Help the Eyes See?

The optic disc itself does not help the eyes see, it is the optic nerve that helps carry electrical impulses from the eyes to the brain. The brain then processes this information to help the eyes see. Due to the lack of rods and cones in the optic disc, it cannot detect light rays in this region, forming a blindspot.

Is the Optic Disc Insensitive to Light?

Yes, the optic disc is insensitive to light as it does not possess any photoreceptors. The optic disc is not able to detect light rays as it lacks rods, and cones which aid in detecting colour and are distributed more in the fovea.

What are the Optic Disc-Related Eye Problems?

The optic disc-related eye problems are glaucoma, optic disc coloboma, papilledema (optic disc swelling), non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), diabetic papillopathy, optic disc drusen, optic disc haemorrhage and arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AAION). The optic disc-related eye problems and their definitions are listed below.

Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can cause vision loss due to damage to the optic nerve and can cause symptoms such as eye pain or pressure, headaches, low vision and seeing halos around lights.
Optic Disc Coloboma: Optic disc coloboma is characterised by missing tissue in the eye and is typically glowing, white and bowl-shaped.
Papilledema (Optic Disc Swelling): Papilledema (optic disc swelling) refers to the swelling of the optic discs in the eye as a result of increased pressure around the brain, also known as intracranial hypertension.
Non-arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION): Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is an eye condition that results in an absence of blood flow to the optic nerve.
Diabetic Papillopathy: Diabetic papillopathy refers to the swelling of the optic nerve and is a potential ocular complication of diabetes.
Optic Disc Drusen: Optic disc drusen is a build-up of protein and calcium in the optic disc and may not present any symptoms but may lead to visual defects.
Optic Disc haemorrhages: Optic disc haemorrhages are characterised by a linear-shaped release of blood flow perpendicular to the optic disc that may stem from having glaucoma in the eye.
Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (AAION): Arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AAION) is an acute form of reduced blood flow in either the posterior arteries or ophthalmic artery as a result of inflammation.

Is Optic Disc Damage Rare?

No, optic disc damage may not be rare. There are many abnormalities that can severely affect the optic disc and lead to damage. Damage to the optic disc can lead to vision loss as the optic nerve transforms the electrical impulses that enter the eye to the brain to process visual information.

What are the Different Ways to Take Care of the Optic Disc?

The different ways to take care of the optic disc may be achieved by ensuring you get regular eye exams, manage general health, protect your eyes, consume an eye-friendly diet and quit smoking. These steps may be helpful ways to care for your overall eye health, which may be beneficial for the health of your optic disc. The different ways to take care of the optic disc are listed below.

Regular Eye Exams: Having regular eye exams can help take care of your eye health including the optic disc as they can keep track of any minor or major changes to your vision.
Manage General Health: Managing general health may involve improving physical, mental and emotional health.
Protect Your Eyes: Protecting your eyes from excessive ultraviolet light damage, foreign objects entering the eye and digital eye strain, can help take care of the eye including the optic disc.
Eye-Friendly Diet: Consume an eye-friendly diet that includes foods rich in vitamins A, C and E, vegetables rich in lutein and zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids.
Quit Smoking: Quitting smoking may aid in preventing the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and other general health problems.

What is the Role of an Optometrist in Taking Care of Your Optic Disc?

The role of an optometrist in taking care of your optic disc includes performing comprehensive eye tests regularly. Optometrists play a significant role in taking care of the optic disc as they are qualified and trained to examine your eyes, assess vision and prescribe treatments for certain eye problems. The role of an optometrist is vital for ensuring your eyes and vision are in optimal condition and are helpful in the early detection and/or monitoring of eye problems.

Eye care professional performing slit lamp examination on patient

How Can Oscar Wylee Help Take Care of Your Eye?

Oscar Wylee’s optometrists can help take care of your eye by providing regular eye tests. Regular eye tests allow an optometrist to examine the eye's health, including the optic disc. If a person has an eye condition, an eye test will allow an optometrist to detect this, and provide treatment.

What Type of Glasses Can Help Protect the Optic Disc?

There are no types of glasses that can help protect the optic disc as glasses are designed to correct refractive errors such as farsightedness or nearsightedness and astigmatism. Glasses may not be effective in protecting the optic disc as the optic nerve is sustained mainly through healthy blood circulation and health factors.

Can You Still See Without an Optic Disc?

No, you may not be able to see without an optic disc as the optic disc is part of the optic nerve and the optic nerve is responsible for processing visual information from the eyes to the brain. A damaged optic nerve may likely lead to partial or complete loss of vision.

Can the Optic Disc Repair Itself?

No, the optic disc may not be able to repair itself as cells in the eye cannot regenerate. The optic disc is not capable of repairing itself, therefore, once damaged, partial or complete loss of vision can develop and cannot be reversed.

What is the Difference Between the Optic Disc and Optic Nerve?

There is no difference between the optic disc and optic nerve as the optic disc constitutes the beginning of the optic nerve. The optic disc is the point at which the axons of the ganglion cells leave the retina to form the optic nerve.