Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve, which transmits light and visual images from the retina to the brain. The condition may also be known as retro bulbar neuritis because the nerve is located behind the globe of the eye.
Usually it is the first symptom of MS and it is estimated that around 66% of people with MS will encounter optic neuritis.
Symptoms
The condition usually brings on an acute blurring, greying or loss of vision mostly in one eye. Rarely will both eyes be affected simultaneously.
Some pain may be felt in the affected eye and can be pressure-like, sharp and piercing or dull and aching. Loss of vision usually reaches maximum within a few days but generally improves within 4 to 12 weeks without treatment.
Occasionally vision remains unaffected although the condition is there, and specialized medical testing is needed to make an accurate diagnosis.
Optic neuritis and MS
It doesn’t follow that an optic neuritis patient will get MS. Clinical tests have revealed that the ten-year risk of developing clinically definite MS following a single episode of optic neuritis was 38%, and 40% for the twelve-year risk category.
Research also has shown while other disease processes can cause optic neuritis, MS is the most likely cause in a young, otherwise healthy individual.
Treatment
Studies have shown that a short course of methylprednisolone, intravenously given, sometimes followed by a tapered course of oral steroids, may help reverse the inflammation and restore vision more quickly. But if symptoms are mild and an MRI scan doesn’t reveal lesions, the doctor may leave the disorder to heal by itself.
What about Eyeglasses?
Prescription glasses will not correct the problem because the visual changes brought about by optic neuritis are the result of optic nerve inflammation and not changes in the shape of the eye.
