What Is Optic Neuritis?

Optic Neuritis can cause various different abnormalities in vision and is classified as being an inflammatory condition that involves the optic nerve. In order to recognize an optic neuritis symptom it is important to know what all the symptoms are. Symptoms can include blurred or distorted vision, reduced color vision, or a blind spot and many of these symptoms can also be associated with other vision disorders including detached retina and ocular migraine.

Other symptoms of this condition include pain with eye movement and this can precede any visual loss you may experience. This condition effects more women than men and is usually an adult problem that occurs before the age of 45.

Treating An Optic Neuritis Symptom

In order to get optic neuritis treatment it is essential that you visit your ophthalmologist. People who suffer with this condition will notice that over a period of 7 days their vision will worsen. It will then remain stable for up to 8 weeks before gradually improving. The majority of patient with this condition will recover most of their vision within 6 months.

When you visit your ophthalmologist your vision, eye pressure, and papillary function will be evaluated. You eyes will be dilated so that the optic nerves and retina can be examined. Anyone suffering from this condition will always have an abnormal pupil which is known as an afferent papillary defect. A vision field test and an MRI of the brain should also be carried out to ensure that there is no central nervous system lesions present.

Anyone who suffers from this condition is at risk of developing multiple sclerosis. About 75% of women have developed MS approximately 15 years after being diagnosed. The figure for men is much lower at 34%. If your MRI shows lesions the risk of developing another symptom of MS is 36% in 2 years.

Optic Neuritis treatment has changed over the years and this is mainly due to extensive trials that have been carried out. Optic neuritis treatment trials studied patients that were treated with IV steroids, oral steroids, or placebo. The outcome showed that patients that were treated with IV steroids had only about half the risk of developing MS in two year compared with those treated with oral steroids.

As a result of these studies, optic neuritis treatment now consists of 3 days of IV steroids followed by up to 14 days of oral steroids.

 
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Optics Place Site. Please see Medical Disclaimer