Optic neuritis

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Optic neuritis
File:Optic Neuritis.png
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Vision loss, eye pain, dyschromatopsia
Complications	Multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica
Onset	Typically between ages 20 and 40
Duration	Weeks to months
Types	N/A
Causes	Autoimmune disease, infection, idiopathic
Risks	Genetic predisposition, viral infections, smoking
Diagnosis	Clinical examination, MRI, visual evoked potentials
Differential diagnosis	Ischemic optic neuropathy, Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy, neuromyelitis optica
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Corticosteroids, plasma exchange
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Generally good, but risk of multiple sclerosis
Frequency	1-5 per 100,000 per year
Deaths	Rare

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

File:A treatise on diagnostic methods of examination (1909) (14594517118) Optic neuritis Early.jpg

A treatise on diagnostic methods of examination Optic neuritis Early

Causes

Optic neuritis is linked to multiple sclerosis, a disease that causes inflammation and damage to nerves in your brain and spinal cord. In some people, signs and symptoms of optic neuritis may be the first indication of multiple sclerosis. Most people who have a single episode of optic neuritis eventually develop nerve problems in other parts of their body.

Symptoms

Optic neuritis usually affects one eye. Symptoms might include:

• Pain in the eye
• Loss of vision in the affected eye
• Field of vision defects
• Loss of color vision
• Flashing lights

Diagnosis

Optic neuritis is diagnosed based on symptoms, response to therapy, and the results of MRI scans. An MRI might reveal inflammation or damage to the optic nerve. In some cases, it might also reveal the presence of multiple sclerosis.

Treatment

Treatment for optic neuritis includes corticosteroids, which can help reduce inflammation and speed up recovery. In some cases, plasma exchange therapy might be used.

Prognosis

The prognosis for optic neuritis is generally good, with most people recovering normal vision within 12 months. However, some people may have a recurrence of optic neuritis, and it can be a sign of a more serious neurological disease, such as multiple sclerosis.

See also

• Multiple sclerosis
• Neuritis
• Optic nerve