Biomechanics of the Optic Nerve

The optic nerve is a complex biomechanical structure. It is subjected to various mechanical loadings including intraocular pressure, cerebrospinal fluid pressure, eye movements, and compression from tumours etc. In this chapter, we firstly reviewed the optic nerve structure, mechanical behaviours of the optic nerve tissues, and mechanisms of optic nerve fiber injury. Next, we discussed ocular responses to optic nerve traction during eye movements and its potential links to glaucoma and myopia. The cerebrospinal fluid dynamics of the optic nerve is also briefly introduced. Finally, biomechanics of optic chiasmal compression and its application in explaining the mechanisms of bitemporal hemianopia is presented. This chapter is not an extensive review of optic nerve related biomechanics but rather to discuss some key aspects of optic nerve biomechanics that are involved in pathophysiology of several important ocular diseases.