Understanding Optic neuritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

What is it?

Optic neuritis refers to inflammation of the optic nerves, the fibers that transmit visual information for the eye to the brain. Optic neuritis is associated with Multiple Sclerosis, it may be the first sign of the disease or occur later on. Optic neuritis may occur as well in other conditions affecting the immune system or due to infections. Neuromyelitis optica is another condition that affects the optic nerve and spinal cord. Some drugs such as Ethambutol and toxins like methanol may cause optic neuritis. After having only one episode of Optic neuritis the vision is usually recovered.

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Signs & symptoms

Symptoms include eye pain which is worsened by eye movement, vision loss in one eye, central or peripheral vision loss, loss of color vision and seeing flashing lights.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based upon findings from medical history and an eye exam. Further evaluation may include MRI scans, blood tests, optical coherence tomography, visual field test, and visual evoked response.

Treatment

Optic neuritis typically improves without any treatment. Steroids treatment may be given intravenously, or plasma exchange therapy.

☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.

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Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:

National Institution of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ University of Illinois hospital