optic nerve head

The optic nerve head, also known as the optic disc, is the point in the eye where the optic nerve connects to the retina, which is the layer of tissue that senses light. It appears as a small round area at the back of the eye and plays a crucial role in vision by transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain. This area does not have light-sensitive cells, creating a "blind spot" in our visual field. Health issues affecting the optic nerve head, such as glaucoma, can lead to vision loss, highlighting its importance in eye health.