The invention relates to an optical strain gauge (1) using a glass fibre as a strain sensor. The strain gauge comprises a glass fibre comprising a sheath. The sheath has the following composition: a mixture of polyether ether ketone and an admixture of at least 10 weight percent and a maximum of 40 weight percent of an inorganic filler, with a particle size of between 0.08 [mu]m and 12 [mu]m. The outer diameter of the sheath is between 0.2 mm and 1.2 mm. The ratio D/d between the outer diameter D of the sheath and the diameter d of the glass fibre is between 2 and 6. A pressure of the sheath on the glass fibre is such that essentially no relative movement can occur between the glass fibre and the sheath.