Optic neuritis 1 of 4

Introduction

Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve, the bundle of nerve fibers in your eye that transmits visual information to your brain. Pain and temporary vision loss are common symptoms of optic neuritis.

Optic neuritis usually develops due to an autoimmune disorder that may be triggered by a viral infection. In some people, signs and symptoms of optic neuritis may be an indication of multiple sclerosis, a condition resulting in inflammation and damage to nerves in your brain and spinal cord.

Most people who experience a single episode of optic neuritis eventually recover their vision. Treatment with steroid medications may speed up vision recovery.

Signs and symptoms

Optic neuritis usually affects one eye, although it may occur in both eyes simultaneously. Optic neuritis symptoms may include:

·       Pain. Most people who develop optic neuritis experience eye pain that's worsened by eye movement. Pain associated with optic neuritis usually peaks within one week and then goes away in several days.

·       Visual loss. The extent of visual loss associated with optic neuritis varies. Some people experience severe difficulty seeing, while others might not notice any changes in their vision. Vision loss, should it occur, usually develops over a day to a week and may be worsened by heat or exercise. Vision loss is usually temporary, but in some cases, it may be permanent.

·       Loss of color vision. Optic neuritis often affects the perception of colors. You may notice that the colors of objects, particularly red ones, temporarily appear "washed out" or less vivid than normal.

The signs and symptoms of optic neuritis may be indications of an autoimmune disorder called multiple sclerosis. In about 20 percent of people who eventually develop multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis is the first symptom.