Optic neuritis usually develops associated with autoimmune disorders may be triggered by infection. In some people, signs and symptoms of optic neuritis may be an indication of multiple sclerosis.
Most people who experience one episode of optic neuritis can recover their sight. Treatment with steroid medications may speed recovery of vision after optic neuritis.
Cause
The exact cause of optic neuritis is not known with certainty. However, optic neuritis is believed to develop when the immune system mistakenly attacks the substance (myelin) covering the optic nerve. Thus resulting in inflammation and damage to the myelin.
Usually, myelin helps electrical impulses travel quickly along the optic nerve from the eye to the brain. In the brain, the electrical impulse is converted into visual information. Optic neuritis interfere with the process and affect vision.
However, it is uncertain what causes the immune system to attack myelin.
Autoimmune conditions are often associated with optic neuritis, among others:
1. Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the system can attack the myelin sheath that covers nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. In people with optic neuritis, have a risk of progression that leads to multiple sclerosis.
2. Neuromyelitis Optica
Other autoimmune conditions that can cause optic neuritis is neuromyelitis Optica. In this condition, inflammation occurs in the optic nerve and spinal cord.
Neuromyelitis Optica has similarities with multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis Optica but does not cause damage to the nerves in the brain of multiple sclerosis. Optic neuritis arising from neuromyelitis Optica tend to be more severe than optic neuritis associated with multiple sclerosis.
Other autoimmune conditions, such as sarcoidosis and systemic lupus erythematosus, has also been associated with optic neuritis. Not all potential causes of optic neuritis are autoimmune diseases. Another factor that has been associated with the development of optic neuritis include:
1. Infection
2. Cranial arteritis
3. Drugs
4. Radiation therapy
In addition, any process that result in inflammation or compression of the optic nerve, including tumors, nutritional deficiencies or toxins, may impair the ability of nerves to conduct electrical impulses. This can lead to vision loss and other symptoms that may mimic optic neuritis.
Symptom
Optic neuritis usually affects one eye, although it can occur in both eyes simultaneously. Symptoms of optic neuritis may include:
1. Painful
Most people who develop optic neuritis experience eye pain which may be exacerbated by eye movement. Pain associated with optic neuritis, usually peaking within a few days.
2. Loss of vision
Level of vision loss associated with optic neuritis varies widely. Most people experience at least some temporary reduction in vision.
In the event of loss of vision, usually developed over a matter of hours or days, and may be aggravated by heat or exercise. However, vision loss may be permanent in some cases.
3. Loss of color in the color vision
Optic neuritis often affects color perception.
4.Flashing lights
Some people with optic neuritis reported seeing a flash like flashing lights.
Signs and symptoms of optic neuritis may be indications of an autoimmune disorder called multiple sclerosis. Approximately 15-20 percent of people who experience progression towards multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis is the first symptom.
Treatment
Optic neuritis can usually get better by itself. In some cases, steroid medications used to treat optic neuritis, because it can help reduce inflammation in the optic nerve.
Possible side effects of steroid treatment include weight gain, mood changes, stomach disorders, and insomnia. If receiving steroids for the treatment, may include:
1. Intravenous steroids
Patients may receive intravenous steroid therapy for several days. Intravenous steroid therapy may speed recovery of vision.
2. Oral steroids
After intravenous steroid therapy, the doctor may also prescribe an oral steroid, like prednisone for about 2 weeks.
In cases where steroid therapy has failed and severe vision loss continues, the treatment of so-called plasma exchange therapy may help restore vision in some people.
Sources: MayoClinic
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