Question 1

describe optic neuritis?

Accepted Answer

Vision deficit: Optic neuritis is caused by inflammation or disturbance of the main nerve of vision leading from the eye to the brain.  Sometimes it is painful as well when it occurs.  The patient describes visual lowering, sometimes profoundly.  Many spontaneously recover, some need help as in multiple sclerosis, and sometimes permanent change occurs.  See your neuroophthalmolgist for diagnosis and treatment.

Question 2

what causes optic neuritis?

Accepted Answer

Optic neuritis: Optic neuritis can be an isolated finding, but is commonly associated with ms. Ms is believed to have an autoimmune etiology. Isolated optic neuritis is caused by inflammation which may not be autoimmune in nature.

Question 3

how do you treat optic neuritis cases?

Accepted Answer

Optic neuritis: Anyone with optic neuritis should be under the care of an opthalmologist if possible.

Question 4

do a lot of people get optic neuritis?

Accepted Answer

Uncommon: Optic neuritis (also called optic neuropathy) is due to inflammation of the main visual nerve behind the eye.  Many cases are isolated and only occur once.  A lot are associated with multiple sclerosis and may be the first happening in that condition.  You should see your ophthalmologist or neuro-ophthalmologist for diagnosis and treatment.

Question 5

what are the symptoms of optic neuritis?

Accepted Answer

Blurred vision: The hallmarks of optic neurits are blurred vision (decreased acuity), darkening of vision with loss of color perception, and local tenderness or pain with movement suggesting an intra-orbital inflammatory process. There are multiple causes of optic neuritis, it can affect one or both eyes, and the etiologies are somewhat age related. The patient may be aware of a blind spot in the affected eye.

Question 6

can i return to work after optic neuritis?

Accepted Answer

Of course: Work has no effect on the health of your eyes.

Question 7

are there foods that are good for optic neuritis?

Accepted Answer

Optic neuritis: This is a very old question, which has been looked at in some detail.  The answer is there is no specific food, or supplement or vitamin which is good for or prevents optic neuritis.

Question 8

should i still go to work if i have optic neuritis?

Accepted Answer

Probably: Optic neuritis is not contagious, nor is it work related or aggravated by work.  If the status of the condition makes it visually difficult to do your work, you should hold off until it improves.  Your work colleagues do not need to know of your condition unless the vision prevents work.

Question 9

what does it mean to have permanent optic neuritis?

Accepted Answer

Optic neuritis: There are two suggestions from your expression "permanent".  You may have changes in your optic nerve that are not reversible or you may have multiple sclerosis.  It would be best to get the answer from the doctor who used the terminology.

Question 10

severe optic neuritis --what do you do after diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Steroids: Once confirmed, need to start steroids asap, preferably intravenous methylprednisolone, but oral if sufficient amounts can be taken.  A brain MRI is needed, and if white matter lesions are present, this could suggest future clinically definite ms.  Studies though, suggest maximal risk at 50% if MRI is normal.  A neurologist can assist with future planning, and whether you need ms therapies.

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Severe optic neuritis --what do you do after diagnosis?

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