Digital imaging of the optic nerve

Abstract

Computerized optic nerve imaging technology has been adopted as an alternative method to disc photography of making structural assessments of the optic nerve head and retinal nerve fiber layer. Confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, optical coherence tomography, and scanning laser polarimetry have gained widespread clinical use in diagnosing and managing glaucoma. Each of these modalities is discussed with a special emphasis on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. The current capability of optic nerve imaging to both diagnose glaucoma and detect glaucoma progression is critically examined.