The optic nerve carries images from the eye to the brain. This allows you to see. When the optic nerve becomes inflamed, the patient experiences optic neuritis. This ophthalmological disorder leads to a decrease in vision quality and can even cause blindness. It is mandatory to see a specialist if you experience symptoms of optic neuritis.
Find out what causes optic nerve inflammation, what the risk factors for optic neuritis are, and what ophthalmological treatments are available.
What is optic neuritis?
Optic neuritis or optic neuropathy is a disease of the nervous system that manifests through eye pain, changes in vision, and even blindness.
It occurs when inflammation affects the cells in the optic nerve. These cells are covered by a myelin sheath, which is meant to protect them. When you suffer from optic neuritis, the myelin sheath deteriorates, and the nerve cells can no longer transmit signals correctly from the eyes to the brain.
What are the causes of optic neuritis?
Sometimes, the causes of optic nerve inflammation are unclear. However, there are some diseases associated with an increased risk of optic neuropathy:
- Multiple sclerosis
- Neuromyelitis Optica
- Autoimmune disorders (e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus)
- Infections
- Exposure to toxic substances
- Certain medications
Risk factors for optic nerve inflammation include:
- Personal or family history of multiple sclerosis or other autoimmune disorders
- History of optic neuritis
- History of transverse myelitis (inflammation of the spinal cord)
How does optic neuritis manifest?
In some patients, optic neuritis does not cause vision problems. Others may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Sudden decrease in visual quality, such as blurriness or darkening of vision
- Loss of central vision, peripheral vision loss, or total vision loss
- Abnormal color vision, such as pale or washed-out colors
- Eye pain, often worsened during eye movement
- Seeing flashes of light during eye movement
How is optic neuritis treated?
Treatment for optic neuritis may involve:
- Administering intravenous anti-inflammatory medications for 3-5 days. The treatment aims to reduce eye discomfort and inflammation, thus limiting optic nerve damage.
- Treating underlying causes or risk factors. Here, options vary depending on the problem. They may include antibiotics for bacterial infections or plasmapheresis for autoimmune diseases.
Schedule an ophthalmologic examination if you experience eye pain or notice changes in your vision. The same applies if you suffer from optic neuritis and your symptoms do not improve, but rather worsen or new ones appear. Choose to be treated in the Dr. Holhoș ophthalmology network, with top specialists and state-of-the-art technology.