Sehnervengrund

Sehnervengrund refers to the back of the eye where the optic nerve exits the eyeball. It is a critical area for vision and is examined during a standard eye examination. The optic nerve is composed of over a million nerve fibers that transmit visual information from the retina to the brain.

The sehnervengrund contains several key structures. The optic disc, also known as the blind spot, is the point where the optic nerve fibers converge and leave the eye. Because there are no photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) in this area, it is insensitive to light, hence the term "blind spot." Blood vessels that supply the retina also enter and exit the eye at the optic disc.

The appearance of the sehnervengrund can provide important clues about a person's overall health. Changes in the optic disc, such as swelling or paleness, can indicate various medical conditions, including glaucoma, optic neuritis, or papilledema, which is swelling of the optic disc due to increased intracranial pressure. Diseases affecting blood vessels, like hypertension or diabetes, can also manifest as changes in the retinal blood vessels visible at the sehnervengrund. Therefore, a thorough examination of this area is essential for diagnosing and monitoring a range of ocular and systemic diseases.