It is not fully understood if the optic nerve damage occurs because of the mechanical compression of the nerve fibers from the increased pressure, or if the pressure restricts necessary blood flow to the optic nerve. As pressure inside the eye rises, over time, it damages the optic nerve fibers leading to impaired vision.
Glaucoma is the most well-known eye disorder that causes optic nerve damage. Glaucoma often occurs when there is an increase to the pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure). There are several eye disorders that can cause strain or damage to occur to the optic nerve, including glaucoma, optic neuritis, optic nerve atrophy and optic nerve head drusen. The optic nerve is a bundle of over 1 million nerve fibers that provides the link between the eye and the brain. The optic nerve, also called the second cranial nerve, is a bundle of over 1 million nerve fibers that provides the link between the eye and the brain. When we see something, light rays are transmitted to the retina, a structure in the back of the eye. The retina then takes light energy and converts it to electrical energy and transmits nerve impulses via the optic nerve to the brain, where a visual image is formed. The Best Natural Ingredients to Help Protect your Optic Nerve