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Optic neuritis

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

External and internal eye anatomy
External and internal eye anatomy

Definition    Return to top

Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve. It may cause sudden, reduced vision in the affected eye.

Causes    Return to top

The cause of optic neuritis is unknown.

Sudden inflammation of the nerve connecting the eye and the brain (optic nerve) can cause the nerve to swell and destroy its outer shell (myelin sheath). The inflammation may occasionally be due to a viral infection, or it may be caused by autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

Risk factors are related to the possible causes.

Symptoms    Return to top

Exams and Tests    Return to top

A complete medical examination can help rule out related diseases. Tests may include the following:

Treatment    Return to top

Vision often returns to normal within 2 - 3 weeks with no treatment.

Corticosteroids given through a vein (IV) may speed up recovery, but they can cause side effects.

Further tests may be needed to determine the cause of the neuritis. The condition causing the problem can then be treated.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Patients 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.

Possible Complications    Return to top

About 20% of patients with a first episode of optic neuritis will develop multiple sclerosis.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call 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:

References    Return to top

Germann CA, Baumann MR, Hamzavi S. Ophthalmic diagnoses in the ED: optic neuritis. Am J Emerg Med. 2007;25:834-837.

Update Date: 10/6/2008

Updated by: Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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