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Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve. It may cause sudden, reduced vision in the affected eye.
Alternative NamesRetro-orbital neuritis Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe cause of optic neuritis is unknown.
Sudden inflammation of the nerve connecting the eye and the brain (optic nerve) can injure the insulation (myelin sheath) surrounding each nerve fiber, causing the nerve to swell.
Causes of the inflammation can include:
- Autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis, Behcet disease, autoimmune optic neuritis)
- Infections (tuberculosis, syphilis, Lyme disease, meningitis, viral encephalitis, and post-infectious measles, rubella, chickenpox, herpes zoster, mumps, and Mycoplasma pneumonia or other common upper respiratory tract infections)
- Multiple sclerosis (most often in adults, but also in children)
- Toxicity from drugs such as methanol or ethambutol
- Vitamin B-12 deficiency
Risk factors are related to the particular cause.
Symptoms- Loss of visionin one eye, over the course of an hour or a few hours
- Changes in the way the pupil reacts to bright light
- Loss of color vision
- Pain when you move the eye
A complete medical examination can help rule out related diseases. Tests may include the following:
- Color vision testing
- MRI of the brain including special images of the optic nerve
- Visual acuity testing
- Visualization of the optic disc by indirect ophthalmoscopy
Vision often returns to normal within 2 - 3 weeks with no treatment.
Corticosteroids given through a vein (IV) may speed up recovery. Higher doses should be used cautiously, as they can have serious side effects.
Further tests may be needed to determine the cause of the neuritis. The condition causing the problem can then be treated.
Expectations (prognosis)People who have optic neuritis without a disease such as multiple sclerosis have a good chance of recovery.
Optic neuritis caused by multiple sclerosis or other autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus has a poorer outlook, although vision in the affected eye may still return to normal.
Complications- Body-wide side effects from corticosteroids
- Vision loss
About 20% of patients with a first episode of optic neuritis will develop myelin sheath inflammation at other sites or will develop multiple sclerosis.
Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider immediately if you have a sudden loss of vision in one eye.
If you have optic neuritis, call your health care provider if:
- Your vision decreases
- You develop pain in the eye
- Your symptoms do not improve with treatment
Germann CA, Baumann MR, Hamzavi S. Ophthalmic diagnoses in the ED: optic neuritis. Am J Emerg Med. 2007;25:834-837.
Johnston MV. Demyelinating Disorders of the CNS. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th Ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 600.
What else can I help you with?
How is optic neuritis treated?
Treatment of optic neuritis with steroids is controversial
Is optic neuritis related to multiple sclerosis?
There is a strong association between optic neuritis and MS
Does optic neuritis affect women more?
Seventy-five percent of patients with optic neuritis are women
Can optic neuritis cause Optic atrophy?
Yes
What age does Optic neuritis strike?
Optic neuritis tends to afflict young adults with an average age in their 30s
What is the medical term meaning inflammation of the optic nerve?
Inflammation of the optic nerve is called Optic neuritis. Optic neuritis can be caused by several factors such as hereditary disorders, toxic exposure, metabolic disorders such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis. There is usually no visual evidence of optic neuritis. Pain upon eye movement is a clinical sign of such. Inflammation of the optic nerve is called Optic neuritis. Optic neuritis can be caused by several factors such as hereditary disorders, toxic exposure, metabolic disorders such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis. There is usually no visual evidence of optic neuritis. Pain upon eye movement is a clinical sign of such.
What are the different types of neuritis?
Neuritis is inflammation of a nerve. There are different types of neuritis such as optic neuritis (affecting the optic nerve), cranial neuritis (involving the cranial nerves), and peripheral neuritis (affecting peripheral nerves outside the brain and spinal cord). Each type can have various causes and symptoms.
What is the ONTT?
The Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial
Who treats optic neuritis?
That should be treated by an ophthalmologist.
Does optic neuritis go into remission?
Yes, optic neuritis can go into remission. In some cases, the inflammation causing optic neuritis resolves on its own, leading to improvement in vision. However, it is important to monitor for any recurrence or worsening of symptoms.
Where does retrobulbar neuritis happen?
The optic nerve located behind the eyeball
Who is Optic neuritis more common in?
It is more common in young to middle-aged women
