Optic Neuritis (cont.)
Andrew A. Dahl, MD, FACS
Andrew A. Dahl, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist. Dr. Dahl's educational background includes a BA with Honors and Distinction from Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT, and an MD from Cornell University, where he was selected for Alpha Omega Alpha, the national medical honor society. He had an internal medical internship at the New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center.
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
In this Article
- What is optic neuritis?
- What causes optic neuritis?
- What are symptoms of optic neuritis?
- What are signs of optic neuritis?
- How is optic neuritis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for optic neuritis?
- What is the prognosis for optic neuritis?
- Can optic neuritis be prevented?
- Where can I find more information on optic neuritis?
- Optic Neuritis At A Glance
- Find a local Eye Doctor in your town
Where can I find more information on optic neuritis?
American Academy of Ophthalmology
http://www.aao.org
- Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve of either or both eyes, typically affecting young adults.
- It may be triggered by a viral infection, but it is also sometimes an indication of multiple sclerosis. Other causes include infections, autoimmune disease, and injury to the optic nerve.
- The symptoms of optic neuritis include vision loss, reduced color vision, and pain on movement of the eye.
- The diagnosis is made on the basis of the patient history and an examination by an ophthalmologist. Blood tests and MRI scan of the brain may be indicated.
- Most cases of optic neuritis improve over a period of weeks. Treatment with corticosteroids may hasten recovery.
REFERENCES:
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Percy, A.K., Nobrega, F.T., Kurland, L.T. "Optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis."
Arch Ophthalmol 87 (1972):135.
Perkin, G.D., Rose, C.F. Optic Neuritis and its Differential Diagnosis. Oxford:
Oxford University Press, 1979, p 206.
Rizzo, J.F., Lessell, S. "Risk of developing multiple sclerosis after
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Sanders, E.A.C.M., Volkers, A.C.W., van der Poel, J.C., et al. "Estimation of visual
function after optic neuritis: A comparison of clinical tests." Br J Ophthalmol
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Van Dalen, J.T.W., Greve, E.L. "Visual field defects in multiple sclerosis."
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Last Editorial Review: 10/2/2009 10:24:02 AM
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