Optical neuritis, also known as retrobulb neuritis, is an inflammation of the optic nerve that prevents the transmission of information from the eye to the brain, because the nerve loses the myelin sheath, a layer that coats nerves and is responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses.
This disease is most common in adults age 20 to 45 and results in partial or even total loss of vision, usually affecting one eye, although it can also affect both eyes, and can also cause eye pain and changes in color identification or perception.
- Optical neuritis appears primarily as a manifestation of multiple sclerosis.
- But can also be caused by a brain infection.
- Tumor.
- Or heavy metal poisoning.
- Such as lead.
- Recovery usually occurs spontaneously after a few weeks.
- But your doctor may also use corticosteroids to speed recovery in some cases.
Symptoms of optic neuritis include
Vision loss is usually temporary, but sequelae can persist in the form of difficulty identifying colors or blurred vision.Look for other signs and symptoms of vision problems that are warning signs.
Diagnosis of optic neuritis is made by the ophthalmologist, who can perform tests that evaluate the vision and condition of the eye as visual campimetry, visual evoked potentials, pupil reflexes or assessment of the background of the eye, for example.
In addition, a brain MRI may be requested, which helps identify brain changes such as those caused by multiple sclerosis or a brain tumor.
Optical neuritis usually occurs due to
However, in many cases, the cause of optic neuritis is not detected, called idiopathic optic neuritis.
In many cases, optic neuritis has spontaneous remission and signs and symptoms improve without the need for specific treatment.
However, it is always important to follow up with your ophthalmologist and neurologist, who may evaluate the need for medications, such as corticosteroids to reduce nerve inflammation, or perform surgery to decompress the optic nerve, which may be necessary in tumor cases, for example.
If, in some cases, the recovery is complete, there may be some sequelae, such as difficulty distinguishing colors, changes in the visual field, sensitivity to light, or difficulties in assessing distances.