The optic nerves are a pair of cranial nerves that transmit visual information from the retina in each eye to the brain. Each nerve is made up of millions of nerve fibers that carry signals generated by light-sensitive cells in the retina. These signals are essential for vision, allowing us to perceive shapes, colors, and movement. Once the optic nerves reach the brain, they partially cross at a structure called the optic chiasm. This crossing allows visual information from both eyes to be processed together, helping to create a single, cohesive image. The signals are then sent to the visual cortex, where they are interpreted as visual images.