Myelinated Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer

Abstract

The axons of the retinal ganglion cells compose the retinal nerve fiber layer, located in the inner (closest to the vitreous) retina. These axons coalesce at the optic disc and traverse the scleral canal to become the optic nerve. Posterior to the globe, the axons of the optic nerve become myelinated by supporting oligodendrocytes. Within the retina, however, myelination of these axons is present in only about 0.5% of autopsy eyes and has the appearance of a feathery, white opacity in the inner retina.