Optic Neuritis occurs when the nerve fibers in the optic nerve become inflamed, this cause Optic Neuritis commonly results in temporary loss of vision and usually only occurs in one eye, but it is possible for Optic Neuritis to affect both eyes at the same time. In Optic Neuritis (ON), the covering of the optic nerve called the sheath, which consists of a substance known as myelin, becomes inflamed. Optic Neuritis is also known as an acute inflammatory demyelinating disorder. When the myelin lining (sheath) becomes damaged as a result of this inflammation, the optic nerve's function is impaired cannot efficiently transmit signals from the eye to the brain and this leads to decreased vision in the affected eye(s). Signs of optic neuritis may be the first indication of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a progressive, neurological condition, in a patient. The cause of Optic Neuritis (ON) is currently unknown but experts believe it can flare up quickly as a result of an infection or an immune condition such as lupus. Optic Neuritis (ON) most commonly occurs in patients between the age of 20 and 50 years old, it is three times more likely to occur in females. Optic Neuritis is the most common optic nerve condition to affect younger people, the average age for an Optic Neuritis attack to occur is 31 years old, but this does not rule out people over 40 years old, who may also develop Optic Neuritis (ON).
The symptoms that are commonly associated with Optic Neuritis (ON) are blurred vision, temporary loss of vision in one eye or both eyes, abnormal pupillary response when exposed to bright light, pain with eye movement which can be described as a dull ache behind the eye(s), difficulty involving colour perception (colours may appear duller than usual), flashing of flickering in vision and blurred vision. More severe optic nerve inflammation results in an increase in the extremity of symptoms. Patients presenting with Optic Neuritis (ON) may also have a relative afferent pupillary defect in the affected eye(s). Vision loss in patients presenting with Optic Neuritis (ON) is typically monocular vision loss and typically progresses up to one week from the onset of Optic Neuritis (ON).
Below is an example of a fundoscopy of a normal retina (Left) and a retina affected by Optic Neuritis (Right):
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