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Optic Neuritis Causes and Symptoms
Optic neuritis (also called optic neuropathy) is inflammation of the optic nerve, the bundle of nerve fibers which send visual information from the eye to the brain. Temporary vision loss and pain are the two main symptoms of optic neuritis. Most people who suffer an episode of this condition fully recover their vision.
Risk factors
Optic neuritis most commonly affects adults aged 20-45. It is less common in younger and older age groups. It is more commonly seen in Caucasians than other races and is twice as likely to develop in women than in men. Certain genetic mutations also increase the risk of developing optic neuritis.
Causes of optic neuritis
The optic nerve is covered by a fatty insulating layer of myelin, which is essential in two ways. First, it shields the nerve from the surrounding tissue much like the plastic outer coating does on an electrical wire. Secondly, it helps the electrical impulses travel more quickly along the nerve.
Optic neuritis usually develops as a result of an autoimmune disorder, where the body's own immune system attacks the myelin coating of the nerve. This is sometimes triggered by a viral infection. The two autoimmune conditions most commonly associated with optic neuritis are multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica.
- Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, progressive and often disabling disease in which the body’s own autoimmune system attacks the myelin covering of the central nervous system. Those who suffer a bout of optic neuritis are significantly more likely to develop the disease later, especially if an MRI shows abnormal brain lesions.
- Neuromyelitis Optica (Devic's Disease) is similar to MS in that the immune system attacks the nerves, but while MS attacks the entire nervous system, Neuromyelitis Optica typically only affects the optic nerves and the spinal cord.
Optic neuritis can be also be caused by infections such as Lyme disease, cat scratch fever, toxoplasmosis, syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, herpes and more. Such infections may also cause neuroretinitis, which is similar to optic neuritis.
Other causes include cranial arteritis, diabetes, sinusitis, and certain medications.
Symptoms of optic neuritis
Those suffering from optic neuritis in one or both eyes will likely experience the following symptoms:
- Pain - Optic neuritis can cause overall soreness in the eye as well as pain that occurs during eye movement.
- Loss of vision - Some people experience a severe loss of normal vision with this condition while others hardly notice any change. This vision loss can manifest in different ways including a central blind spot or peripheral vision loss. Vision typically gets worse as the body temperature rises, like during a hot shower or exercise.
- Dull, washed out vision - Optic neuritis can make your vision appear dull or dim. It also often affects the perception of colors, so that they appear appear washed out or paler than normal.
Should I See an Eye Doctor?
It is important to see an eye doctor as soon as possible if you suspect you have optic neuritis, both to discuss treatment options and because it may be the first sign of a more serious disorder.
You should certainly contact the eye doctor if any of the following occur:
- New symptoms- you experience eye pain or a change in your vision
- Worsening symptoms - you have been diagnosed with optic neuritis and experience new bouts of pain, worsening vision or symptoms which are not improving with your current treatment
- Unusual symptoms - you have been diagnosed with optic neuritis and are experiencing symptoms other than eye pain and vision loss, especially if there is a weakening of your limbs
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