Optic (Optical) Neuritis: Info & Links

NOTE: THIS IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, AND IS NOT AN OFFICIAL SOURCE OF INFORMATION ON THE MEDICAL CONDITION, NOR IS IT ENDORSED BY ANY MEDICAL PERSONNEL OR FOUNDATION. RATHER, IT IS SUMMARIZED INFORMATION FROM A PRIVATE INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS SUFFERED FROM THIS DISEASE. CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL PHYSICIAN IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THIS CONDITION. THEY ARE TRAINED TO DIAGNOSE SUCH DISEASES. I AM NOT.

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Optic whatsit?

As indicated, this is a condition that can affect the eyesight of any individual.

Optic Neuritis is the medical definition of a situation where the optic nerve becomes inflamed, resulting in the loss of vision in one (or rarely) both eyes. Symptoms usually begin with unexplained eye pain, usually experienced on movement of the eye. This is later followed by gradual or sudden vision impairment, from mild to acute.

The inflammation itself causes damage to the outer layer of the optic nerve (the myelin layer or sheath). The Inflammation actually causes light reception in the optic nerve to be reduced.

Other, arguably milder conditions, can include 'dim' vision (some compare it to looking at a computer screen that has the contrast turned way down), or certain colors (especially red) appear very pale. Some may experience blurriness after taking a hot shower or a period of exercise. Even a few people with the disease may experience NO notifiable symptoms, as the condition may be discovered only by an eye specialist.

In acute cases, the individual can experience complete vision loss in the affected eye. Rare cases have both eyes affected at once, or one eye can be affected a few weeks after the first eye is affected.

What exactly leads to this condition? In the majority of cases, it is a common condition of multiple sclerosis. In some cases, the condition is one of the first signs that MS has or will develop later in the individual's life.

However, multiple sclerosis is NOT the only cause of optic neuritis. Viral infections such as Lyme disease, measles, and chicken pox have been linked to the disease (that's NOT to say everyone affected by these diseases will develop optic neuritis later in life).

In other cases, the cause is completely unknown. A random virus was picked up at some unknown point in time, and the body reacted. The condition at this point is usually called 'optic neuritis ideopathic'-no known cause.

Now-the good news. The prognosis for this condition is largely positive. The optic nerve can miraculously HEAL ITSELF. Vision in the affected eye can return anywhere from a period of a few days to up to 8 weeks (some statistics say up to 12).

It can also be treated by the use of an IV steroid injection called methylprednisolone, which has been shown to speed up visual recovery rate (and in some cases can prevent further damage to the optic nerve). This treatment is followed by an oral dosage which helps the body adjust back to normal levels.

However, the application of this therapy is controversial, as many may not experience quicker recovery (plus the various side-effects that may occur with steroid treatment may be worse for some individuals than having the disease itself). Some physicians may recommend the treatment, others may advise against it. It's largely a case-by-case basis.

While vision in the eye can return, it may not be completely perfect. If someone previously had perfect 20/20 vision, it may be reduced anywhere to 20/25 to 20/40 (again, statistics vary). Color vision in the affected eye may be permanently reduced. Still others may notice no difference in eyesight at all, regaining near perfect vision (unless acute eye tests are performed by an eye doctor).

There is also the possibility that the condition may return in the same (or even opposite) eye sometime in the future. Some sources claim 5-to-10 years, though some may never experience the condition again.

So why share this information on a webpage otherwise devoted to television news branding?

Because I have been one of those persons who has experienced the disease. Some time ago I lost complete vision in one eye, while the other eye developed similar systems a few weeks later.

In my case, several diseases and disorders were ruled out, making me one of those lucky (?) individuals who contracted the disease from an unknown source.

Thankfully today, I can see nearly-normal in both eyes. I count myself as being blessed. It's not everyday that one loses their eyesight, only to have it return. That's not to say it's a condition to be taken lightly-indeed it was very frightening. However, it's one of those diseases that largely results in a positive outcome, meaning those suffering from it can have the hope that they will one day recover.

This information is not meant to frighten anyone who may have something mild like eye strain or a mild headache. Nor is it meant to be a 'pity party'. It is only my intention to bring this rather rare (but serious) condition more exposure, and hopefully provide some further information to anyone who may be experiencing this condition, or who knows someone going through this.

And as stated earlier, it is NOT meant to be an official source on the disease. First and foremost check with your family doctor, optometrist, opthamologist, or a doctor of neurology if you suspect or experience any loss of vision. These physicians can detect or rule out whether optic neuritis is in fact developing or has developed.

For further information on optic neuritis, there are several links listed below which go into much greater detail of this condition.


OPTIC NEURITIS (or OPTICAL NEURITIS) NOTE: THIS IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, AND IS NOT AN OFFICIAL SOURCE OF INFORMATION ON THE MEDICAL CONDITION, NOR IS IT ENDORSED BY ANY MEDICAL PERSONNEL OR FOUNDATION. RATHER, IT IS SUMMARIZED INFORMATION FROM A PRIVATE INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS SUFFERED FROM THIS DISEASE. CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL PHYSICIAN IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THIS CONDITION. THEY ARE TRAINED TO DIAGNOSE SUCH DISEASES. I AM NOT. - - - - - - - - - - Optic whatsit? As indicated, this is a condition that can affect the eyesight of any individual. Optic Neuritis is the medical definition of a situation where the optic nerve becomes inflamed, resulting in the loss of vision in one (or rarely) both eyes. Symptoms usually begin with unexplained eye pain, usually experienced on movement of the eye. This is later followed by gradual or sudden vision impairment, from mild to acute. The inflammation itself causes damage to the outer layer of the optic nerve (the myelin layer or sheath). The Inflammation actually causes light reception in the optic nerve to be reduced. Other, arguably milder conditions, can include 'dim' vision (some compare it to looking at a computer screen that has the contrast turned way down), or certain colors (especially red) appear very pale. Some may experience blurriness after taking a hot shower or a period of exercise. Even a few people with the disease may experience NO notifiable symptoms, as the condition may be discovered only by an eye specialist. In acute cases, the individual can experience complete vision loss in the affected eye. Rare cases have both eyes affected at once, or one eye can be affected a few weeks after the first eye is affected. What exactly leads to this condition? In the majority of cases, it is a common condition of multiple sclerosis. In some cases, the condition is one of the first signs that MS has or will develop later in the individual's life. However, multiple sclerosis is NOT the only cause of optic neuritis. Viral infections such as Lyme disease, measles, and chicken pox have been linked to the disease (that's NOT to say everyone affected by these diseases will develop optic neuritis later in life). In other cases, the cause is completely unknown. A random virus was picked up at some unknown point in time, and the body reacted. The condition at this point is usually called 'optic neuritis ideopathic'-no known cause. Now-the good news. The prognosis for this condition is largely positive. The optic nerve can miraculously HEAL ITSELF. Vision in the affected eye can return anywhere from a period of a few days to up to 8 weeks (some statistics say up to 12). It can also be treated by the use of an IV steroid injection called methylprednisolone, which has been shown to speed up visual recovery rate (and in some cases can prevent further damage to the optic nerve). This treatment is followed by an oral dosage which helps the body adjust back to normal levels. However, the application of this therapy is controversial, as many may not experience quicker recovery (plus the various side-effects that may occur with steroid treatment may be worse for some individuals than having the disease itself). Some physicians may recommend the treatment, others may advise against it. It's largely a case-by-case basis. While vision in the eye can return, it may not be completely perfect. If someone previously had perfect 20/20 vision, it may be reduced anywhere to 20/25 to 20/40 (again, statistics vary). Color vision in the affected eye may be permanently reduced. Still others may notice no difference in eyesight at all, regaining near perfect vision (unless acute eye tests are performed by an eye doctor). There is also the possibility that the condition may return in the same (or even opposite) eye sometime in the future. Some sources claim 5-to-10 years, though some may never experience the condition again. So why share this information on a webpage otherwise devoted to television news branding? Because I have been one of those persons who has experienced the disease. Some time ago I lost complete vision in one eye, while the other eye developed similar systems a few weeks later. In my case, several diseases and disorders were ruled out, making me one of those lucky (?) individuals who contracted the disease from an unknown source. Thankfully today, I can see nearly-normal in both eyes. I count myself as being blessed. It's not everyday that one loses their eyesight, only to have it return. That's not to say it's a condition to be taken lightly-indeed it was very frightening. However, it's one of those diseases that largely results in a positive outcome, meaning those suffering from it can have the hope that they will one day recover. This information is not meant to frighten anyone who may have something mild like eye strain or a mild headache. Nor is it meant to be a 'pity party'. It is only my intention to bring this rather rare (but serious) condition more exposure, and hopefully provide some further information to anyone who may be experiencing this condition, or who knows someone going through this. And as stated earlier, it is NOT meant to be an official source on the disease. First and foremost check with your family doctor, optometrist, opthamologist, or a doctor of neurology if you suspect or experience any loss of vision. These physicians can detect or rule out whether optic neuritis is in fact developing or has developed. For further information on optic neuritis, there are several links listed below which go into much greater detail of this condition.

MS Website Article by Pil (Peter) S. Kang, M.D. North American Neuro-Opthamology Society-Committees Neuroland entry Medline Plus St. Luke's Eye.com EyeMDlink.com Mayo Clinic article Kellogg Research DJO Article German/English language article RetinaSource article Merck article Boston University article Australian website Back to Main Page