The optic nerve carries images of what the eye sees to the brain. When this nerve become swollen or inflamed, it is called optic neuritis. It may cause sudden, reduced vision in the affected eye.
Retro-bulbar neuritis; Multiple sclerosis - optic neuritis; Optic nerve - optic neuritis
The exact cause of optic neuritis is unknown.
The optic nerve carries visual information from your eye to the brain. The nerve can swell when it becomes suddenly inflamed. The swelling can damage nerve fibers. This can cause short or long-term loss of vision.
Conditions that have been linked with optic neuritis include:
Symptoms may include:
Vision often returns to normal within 2 to 3 weeks with no treatment.
Corticosteroids given through a vein (IV) or taken by mouth (oral) may speed up recovery. However, the final vision is no better with steroids than without. Oral steroids may actually increase the chance of recurrence.
If tests suggest that there is also multiple sclerosis, certain forms of interferon may be helpful.
Further tests may be needed to try to find the cause of the neuritis. If there is a condition causing the problem, it may be able to be treated.
Faria Amjad is a Neurologist in Olney, Maryland. Dr. Amjad has been practicing medicine for over 14 years and is rated as an Experienced doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Optic Neuritis. She is also highly rated in 3 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Paraplegia, Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (RMS), and Neuromyelitis Optica. Dr. Amjad is currently accepting new patients.
Fadi Nasrallah is an Ophthalmologist in Annandale, Virginia. Dr. Nasrallah has been practicing medicine for over 42 years and is rated as an Experienced doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Optic Neuritis. His top areas of expertise are Retinal Vein Occlusion, Retinal Artery Occlusion, Late-Onset Retinal Degeneration, and Optic Neuritis. Dr. Nasrallah is currently accepting new patients.
Todd Goodglick is an Ophthalmologist in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Dr. Goodglick has been practicing medicine for over 39 years and is rated as an Experienced doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Optic Neuritis. He is also highly rated in 8 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Orbital Cellulitis, Eyelid Bump, Meibomianitis, and Eyelid Drooping.
When optic neuritis occurs without other diseases, there is a better prognosis. An MRI is an important test because it can help predict if multiple sclerosis or other similar autoimmune diseases are present or may develop.
Optic neuritis caused by multiple sclerosis or other autoimmune diseases has a poorer outlook. However, vision in the affected eye may still return to normal.
Complications may include:
Some people who have an episode of optic neuritis will develop nerve problems in other places in the body or develop multiple sclerosis.
Contact your health care provider right away if you have a sudden loss of vision in one eye, especially if you have eye pain.
If you have been diagnosed with optic neuritis, contact your health care provider if:
Summary: Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD) is associated with a pathological humoral immune response against the aquaporin-4(AQP-4) water channel. Baricitinib is an oral Janus kinase (JAK)1/JAK2 inhibitor that blocks the upregulated JAK-STAT pathway in patients with neuroimmune disorders, which is important in bone marrow regulation of B cell proliferation and differentiation. Baricitinib may...
Published Date: February 17, 2022
Published By: Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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