Optic Neuritis is also known as Retrobulbar
Neuritis.
Optic Neuritis is inflammation (the suffix "-itis"
usually indicates "inflammation") of the optic
nerve, which is located behind the eye.
Optic Neuritis can cause the perception of blurred
vision through the affected eye(s). Symptoms may include some, but
not necessarily all of the following:
- Blurred, "dimmed", or "foggy" vision,
- Blind spot at or near center of vision,
- Colours appearing paler than usual,
- Pain when moving or attempting to move the affected eye(s),
- Tenderness of the eye to touch or pressure,
- Severely reduced vision / blindness in the affected eye(s).
Optic Neuritis is one of the symptoms of Multiple
Sclerosis (MS) but can also occur due to other infections e.g. herpes
zoster, or independently of any other symptoms and then pass - with
full recovery of vision as experienced before through the affected eye(s).
The duration of an instance of optic neuritis is likely
to depend on the cause - of which there are many possibilities. In some
cases optic neuritis may become a recurrent problem,
that is - it may appear to have ceased, only to return some time later.
Medical attention is important because optic neuritis
may result in serious damage to vision if not treated appropriately -
if in doubt seek professional advice.
More about Ophthalmology: This section includes short definitions
of many diseases, disorders, and conditions of the eyes and visual system.
For definitions of other terms in this category, choose from the list
to the left (but note that this is not a complete/exhaustive list).
Other related pages include the diagram
of the eye, and definitions
of parts of the eye, a description
of the human retina, and definitions
of parts of the retina, and the section of short definitions
of clinical and surgical procedures re. eyes and human visual system.
For further information see also our section of Books
about Ophthalmology. |
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This Section
is about
Diseases
and Disorders of the Eyes and Visual System.
To read about other diseases, disorders, or conditions of the eye and
human visual system, use the links on the left-side of this page.
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