Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve, the structure that carries visual information from the eye to the brain. It often causes sudden changes in vision in one eye, sometimes with discomfort on eye movement.
Symptoms
Typical symptoms of optic neuritis include blurred or dim vision, reduced colour vividness, and pain that is worse when the eye moves. Some people notice a patch of missing vision or reduced contrast rather than complete loss of sight.
- Usually affects one eye at a time, particularly in younger adults
- Visual changes may develop over hours to days
- Eye movement can feel uncomfortable or painful
- Recovery of vision often occurs over weeks to months, though some changes may persist
Causes and Assessment
Optic neuritis may occur on its own or be associated with inflammatory or demyelinating conditions that affect the brain and spinal cord. Assessment typically includes a detailed eye examination, visual field testing, and sometimes imaging of the brain and orbits to look for underlying causes.
- Can be linked with autoimmune or infectious diseases
- May be the first sign of a neurological condition in some individuals
- Blood tests and scans are often used to investigate systemic associations
- Close follow-up is important to monitor visual recovery and detect recurrences
