Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve that often causes sudden vision loss in one eye. It can occur on its own or as part of conditions like multiple sclerosis.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Typical episodes develop over hours to days. Careful assessment helps distinguish it from other optic nerve problems.
- Blurred or dim vision, often with colour desaturation
- Pain on eye movement and sometimes a central scotoma
- Reduced pupillary light response in the affected eye
- MRI scans and blood tests to look for underlying causes
Treatment and outlook
Many people partially or fully recover vision over weeks. Treatment aims to speed recovery and address underlying disease.
- High-dose intravenous or oral steroids in selected cases
- Neurology and ophthalmology follow-up to monitor for MS or other conditions
- Rehabilitation and low-vision support if residual deficits remain
- Prompt review of any future episodes of visual loss
