This is the first part of a review of papers on the visual afferent system published from 1997 to 1999. In this part the author presents the most important contributions made in areas such as neuro-ophthalmic tests, optic nerve anatomy, nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, clinical features, treatment and prophylaxis), arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, posterior ischemic optic neuropathy, carotid artery disease, demyelinating optic neuritis, relationship between optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis, optic neuromyelitis, autoimmune optic neuritis and infectious optic neuritis. Selected papers are considered in relation to their results and previously established concepts.
Visual pathways; Optic nerve; Optic nerve diseases; Perimetry; Literature review