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Optic Neuritis
Optic neuritis is the medical term used to describe an
inflammation of the optic nerve.
The optic nerve allows us to see by carrying images from
our eye to our brain.
The optic nerve is like a cable of electrical wires, and
consists of about 1,200,000 separate tiny wires of nerve
fibers. Each wire carries a part of the visual information
we see to the brain. If some or all of the nerve fibers
become inflamed and do not function properly, our vision
becomes blurred.
With optic neuritis, the nerve tissue becomes swollen and
the nerve fibers do not work properly. If many of the nerve
fibers are involved, vision may be very poor, but if the
optic neuritis is mild, vision is nearly normal.
CAUSES
Various diseases and conditions may cause optic neuritis.
The nerve of one or both eyes may be affected.
Some people, especially children, develop optic neuritis
following a viral illness such as mumps, measles or a cold.
In others, optic neuritis may occur as a sign of a neurological
disease such as multiple sclerosis. Optic Neuritis can also
develop when the nerve is starved of oxygen, such as in
diabetics or following a stroke.
SIGNS/SYMPTOMS
Optic neuritis usually occurs suddenly. You may notice
the following symptoms:
| Blurred vision in one or both eyes,
especially after exercising or a hot bath; |
| Vision is dim, as if the lights were
turned down; |
| Color appears dull or faded; |
| There may be pain behind the eye, particularly
when moving the eyes. |
A careful description of these symptoms is important to
your eye doctor in the diagnosis of optic neuritis. He or
she will perform a complete medical eye examination.
Since optic neuritis can be confused with many other causes
of poor vision, an accurate medical diagnosis is important.
Other tests which may be performed by your ophthalmologist
include color vision, side vision, and the reaction of the
pupil to light. Ultrasound, MRI scans, or visual brain wave
recordings might be ordered.
If a cause can be found and treated, further damage may
be prevented.
TREATMENT
Fortunately, most people recover normal vision without
any treatment. Although some people may have visual defects
from optic neuritis, these are usually very mild.
When medical intervention is necessary, steroids, or anti-inflammatory
meds, may be used. In rare instances, surgery may be needed
to reduce the pressure inside the optic nerve.
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