RNFL
Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer
Plain-language definition
The layer of nerve cell fibers on the inner surface of the retina. Thinning of the RNFL is an important sign of optic nerve damage, measured by OCT.
Where this term comes up
“RNFL (retinal nerve fiber layer) thickness is the central glaucoma metric - measured around the optic nerve in microns”
Guide · How to Read Your OCT Report
“Diffuse RNFL thinning on OCT bilaterally confirmed significant optic nerve fiber loss”
Publication · Wallerian Degeneration of Optic Nerve due to Neonatal Intracranial Hemorrhage
“Measure retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness - a key marker of optic nerve health”
- Category
- Anatomy
- Also written as
- No alternate forms listed.
Anatomy terms name the eye, orbit, optic nerve, retina, or visual pathway structures that may appear in an exam note or imaging report.
Related glossary terms
A note on medical context
A glossary definition can explain a word, but it cannot tell you whether a symptom or test result is serious. If this term came from an article, use the full article and your clinician's guidance for context.