Experimental Measurement of Optic Nerve Sheath Material Properties

Changes in the optic nerve sheath (ONS) have been described in several ophthalmologic disorders, such as idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and space-flight associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS). Additionally, ONS traction on the optic nerve (ON)head may play a role in glaucoma pathophysiology. Despite the ONS changes reported in SANS and IIH, and its potential role in glaucoma, ONS biomechanical material properties remain poorly understood, particularly in humans. Knowledge of ONS material properties is required for finite element analysis of ONS biomechanics, and may provide insights into the pathophysiology of IIH, SANS4, and glaucoma.