Optic nerves are located in the eyes of every human body and play an essential role in transferring vital information from the eyes to the brain. When it gets swollen or damaged it results in optic neuritis. The following blog is marked to give you a basic informative understanding of the causes, symptoms, and other common concerns that are often raised in association with optic neuritis.
What is Optic Neuritis?
Optic neuritis is an essential eye condition in which the optic nerves are found damaged. The nerve is responsible for transmitting information to the brain. It gets swelled and results in inflammation of the optic nerve.
What are the indicators of Optic Neuritis?
Certain factors that majorly indicate optic neuritis includes
- 1. Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- 2. Inflammation of the optic nerve
- 3. Damage to the optic nerve
- 4. The infection spreads to the area that surrounds the optic nerve
- 5. It may result in immune disease
-
What are the causes of Optic Neuritis?
Optic neuritis, the accurate cause is yet unknown but as the inflammation affects the optic nerves of the eyes, it may damage them. One of the following major and minor causes may be found responsible for the optic nerve damage resulting in optic neuritis.
Major Causes
- 1. Multiple Sclerosis
- 2. Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)
- 3. Neuromyelitis Optica
-
Minor causes
- 1. Toxins or drugs
- 2. Infection
- 3. Certain another disease
-
What are the symptoms of Optic Neuritis?
- 1. Vision loss
- 2. Colour vision loss
- 3. Seeing flashing lights
- 4. Increasing pain or discomfort
-
What are the main complications of optic neuritis?
Risks
Some of the common risks associated with optic neuritis conditions are age, race, sex, or genetic mutation.
Complications
The complication associated with optic neuritis is majorly the changes that appear in the brain which can be seen through MRI tests.
The known treatment possible for optic neuritis is said to be taking steroids, but if continued for a longer than usual time frame, it may lead to bone problems, and high blood pressure, or the whole body may get affected with side effects.
Other complications which are often noted may include decreased visual acuity or sudden optic nerve damage.
When to see a doctor?
A doctor should be immediately contacted in case of anyone or all. of the following scenarios.
- 1. Worsening of the symptoms Sometimes, when you see or feel your symptoms getting worse, it needs to be looked at by the doctor. In such cases, don’t neglect the condition.
- 2. Unusual signs appear As some symptoms may be misunderstood for optic neuritis, equally other symptoms that may look odd do not receive significant attention. Whereas, in case of experiencing new signs contact the doctor immediately.
- 3. New signs and symptoms appear If new vision difficulties appear or the eye pain shows up suddenly, get it checked by the doctor without any delays.
-
Frequently Asked Questions
What disease is optic neuritis associated with?
Multiple sclerosis is often linked with optic neuritis. Multiple sclerosis is found as one of the most common diseases that have higher chances of leading to optic nerve damage and inflammation.
What is the best treatment for optic neuritis?
Most often optic neuritis is known to recover naturally with time whereas in other cases, treatment prescribed may include steroids along with some supportive medications.
What are the signs of optic neuritis damage?
Since optic neuritis is associated with the eyes as it directly affects or damages optic nerves located in the eyes, the signs that soon start to appear are blurring of the vision, fading of natural vision, or loss of central vision clarity.
What age does optic neuritis occur?
The condition is more likely to occur in females and the age majorly affected or develops the condition is between 15 years to 45 years old.
How serious is optic neuritis?
The cause of optic neuritis often gives symptoms that may include blurry vision, diminishing vision, or fading of vision. Therefore, it is always strongly suggested to reach out to your doctor immediately as you start seeing any of the symptoms.
Can an eye test detect optic neuritis?
The pathway where the optic nerve makes an entrance to the retina of the eye is said to be the optic disk. The eye exam tests this eye disk and makes the evaluation accordingly.
What does the start of optic neuritis feel like?
The initial symptoms that start to appear as the eyes get affected by optic neuritis include eye movement discomfort, eye pain, and swelling. This further, as the days pass may give more signs such as blurred vision or faded vision.
Can optic neuritis come on suddenly?
Yes, optic neuritis can develop suddenly in the eyes. Usually, one eye gets more severely affected or damaged with low vision, blurred vision, pain while moving the eyeballs, and blurriness in the visual field.
Related Post