optic nerve

noun

: either of the second pair of cranial nerves that pass from the retina to the optic chiasma and conduct visual stimuli to the brain see eye illustration

Examples of optic nerve in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This habit can increase the risk of AMD and cataracts and damage the optic nerve. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 11 July 2024

The condition causes damage to the optic nerve, but there is often no warning before vision loss. Changes in blood sugar levels can affect the shape of an eye’s lens and may affect vision, said Dr. Disha Narang, an endocrinologist and director of obesity medicine at Endeavor Health in Chicago. —Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 3 July 2024

There are different types of glaucoma, all of which occur when the optic nerve becomes damaged. —Brittany Dube, Health, 3 July 2024

Eye squiggly Photo: Max A gigantic eye and optic nerve that glow red of their own volition and somehow look judgmental? —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 31 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

optic nerve

noun

: either of a pair of sensory nerves that are the second pair of cranial nerves and carry visual information from the retina of the eye to the brain

Medical Definition

optic nerve

noun

: either of the pair of sensory nerves that comprise the second pair of cranial nerves, arise from the ventral part of the diencephalon, form an optic chiasma before passing to the eye and spreading over the anterior surface of the retina, and conduct visual stimuli to the brain

called also second cranial nerve