The optic nerve is the nerve that carries information about what you see from your eye to your brain. Optic neuritis occurs when the optic nerve becomes inflamed or damaged, causing eye pain and a sudden partial or total loss of vision.
What are the symptoms of optic neuritis?
Symptoms of optic neuritis include:
- Pain in or around the eye, which may worsen when moving it.
- Colors that appear 'washed out' or dull.
- Blind spots or areas of poor vision surrounded by normal vision.
- Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, which may be partial or total.
Symptoms usually appear suddenly and worsen for about 2 weeks, then they may begin to improve.
What causes optic neuritis?
The exact cause of optic neuritis has not been proven. However, several studies have suggested that it may be caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the tissue covering the optic nerve.
Optic neuritis has been linked to other conditions, including:
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Bacterial and viral infections.
Optic neuritis usually affects one eye, but it can affect both and can also affect children.
How is optic neuritis diagnosed?
If you experience eye pain or vision loss, you should consult one of our ophthalmologists in Santa Cruz de Tenerife as soon as possible. Our specialists will examine you thoroughly and perform various tests to determine the cause.
- Your view.
- The inside of your eye.
- Your vision of color.
- Your lateral (peripheral) vision.
How do your pupils react to light?
You may also need other tests to rule out other diseases or to find out the cause of the optic neuritis. In some cases, one of our leading specialists may order a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to rule out associated conditions. Optic neuritis is often associated with the early signs of multiple sclerosis.
How is optic neuritis treated?
In most cases, vision improves without treatment after a few weeks. However, it is important to consult one of our ophthalmologists in Santa Cruz de Tenerife after any sudden change in vision.
Most patients regain near-normal vision within a year, although the optic nerve is often permanently damaged. Treatment with steroid injections can speed recovery, but the treatment does not affect the amount of vision regained.
If you or a member of your family are experiencing symptoms of optic neuritis, we welcome you to our Ophthalmology Clinic in Santa Cruz de Tenerife . Contact us and schedule an appointment with one of our professionals. You'll receive the best ophthalmological care in the Canary Islands!
