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Optic Neuritis

Inflammation of the optic nerve causing acute vision loss and pain with eye movement.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Göz Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Optic Neuritis?

Optic neuritis is an inflammatory, demyelinating condition of the optic nerve that produces sudden, usually unilateral vision loss over hours to days. The hallmark symptoms are decreased visual acuity, dyschromatopsia (especially for red), a relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD), and pain worsened by eye movement.

It is most often idiopathic or related to multiple sclerosis (MS), but it may also occur in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), MOG antibody disease, post-infectious or post-vaccination states, and systemic autoimmune diseases. About one third of MS patients present with optic neuritis as the first attack.

Diagnosis is clinical and confirmed with contrast-enhanced orbital and brain MRI, which often shows optic nerve enhancement and may reveal demyelinating brain lesions. OCT documents subsequent retinal nerve fiber layer thinning.

Symptoms

Sudden unilateral vision loss over hours to days
Pain with eye movement (retro-orbital)
Color desaturation, especially for red
Central scotoma or visual field defect
Relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD)
Decreased contrast sensitivity
Uhthoff phenomenon (worsening with heat or exercise)

Risk Factors

Female sex
Age 20 to 45 years
Multiple sclerosis or family history
Northern latitude residence
Vitamin D deficiency
Recent viral infection or vaccination
MOG or aquaporin-4 antibody positivity

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Sudden vision loss in one eye
  • Pain on eye movement with blurred vision
  • Loss of color vision
  • Visual field disturbance with neurological symptoms
  • Numbness, weakness or imbalance accompanying eye symptoms
  • Recurrent episodes of vision loss

Treatment Methods

01
High-dose intravenous methylprednisolone (1 g/day for 3 to 5 days)
02
Oral prednisone taper following IV pulse therapy
03
Plasma exchange for severe steroid-refractory cases
04
Disease-modifying therapy if MS is diagnosed
05
Immunosuppression for NMOSD or MOG antibody disease
06
Neuro-ophthalmology and neurology follow-up
07
Serial OCT and visual field monitoring

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Göz Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Göz Hastalıkları Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.