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How to Know If You Have Optic Neuritis: Common Symptoms

neuro-ophthalmology

Optic neuritis is a condition that causes inflammation (swelling) in the optic nerve – a bundle of nerve fibres that sends visual inputs from your eye to your brain. This condition can significantly affect your vision. It may also signal an underlying neurological disorder, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). 

How to know if you have optic neuritis? What are optic neuritis symptoms? Here we share information provided by trusted eye specialists at the best eye hospital in Punjab. So, let’s dive in!

What is Optic Neuritis?

The optic nerve is the cable that transmits visual information from your retina to your brain. When there is swelling in this nerve, the signal gets disrupted, resulting in blurred vision or vision loss. Optic neuritis can affect one or both eyes, but generally, it starts in one eye. This inflammation could be due to diverse factors, such as infections, autoimmune diseases, or demyelinating diseases like MS.

Common Symptoms of Optic Neuritis

Symptoms of ON can vary from person to person. However, there are some definite signs that indicate an individual has optic neuritis. Here’s which signs to beware of:

1. Sudden Vision Loss or Blurring

The symptom most people experience is a rapid decline in vision – usually in one eye. You might feel as if someone had dimmed the lights or as if you were looking through a foggy window. This vision loss typically happens in the span of just a few hours or days. Additionally, it can range from mild to severe depending on the extent of inflammation..

Another important aspect is that the vision change often worsens with time, although it may afterwards take weeks or months to recover. In some cases, complete optic neuritis recovery may take even longer or remain incomplete.

2. Eye Pain, Especially with Movement

Pain behind or within the eye, especially when moving the eye side to side or up and down, is another major symptom. This pain can be moderate to intense, and is usually one of the first signs of optic neuritis.

The pain might be dull or sharp, and typically aggravates with eye motion. It is important to note here that while some people report continuous pain, others notice it subsiding after a few days. This may happen despite the vision problems still being present.

3. Reduced Colour Vision

Colours may appear washed out or faded. It may be especially with the colour red, which often seems duller or “off” to the affected eye. This symptom is a result of how swelling or inflammation in the optic nerve interferes with its ability to process visual data, including colours.

4. Flashes of Light or Flickering

Some people with ON experience flashing lights or flickering when they move their eyes. This is called photopsia. These light flashes are not due to any external factors but are caused by the inflammation irritating the nerve fibers. 

5. Loss of Visual Field

In some cases, optic neuritis causes gaps, blind spots or dark areas in your field of vision. This is known as a “scotoma.” You may notice a central dark spot (central scotoma) or peripheral vision loss, depending on which part of the optic nerve is affected. In optic neuritis, the gap usually appears in the central visual field.

6. Worsening Vision with Heat or Exercise (Uhthoff’s Phenomenon)

Some people with optic neuritis experience worsening of vision when their body temperature rises. So, it could happen when they exercise, have hot showers, or have a fever. The symptoms often disappear once the body cools down. This temporary change in vision is known as Uhthoff’s phenomenon. It is yet another clue that there is some issue with the optic nerve.

When to See a Doctor

If you notice any sudden vision changes, especially if accompanied by pain during eye movement or any abrupt changes in colour perception, it’s necessary to consult an ophthalmologist or neurologist – immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term damage to vision. Neuro ophthalmology surgery may not always be necessary. It can also help discover any underlying ailments like multiple sclerosis or neuromyelitis optica.

What to Expect as Part of Prompt Medical Attention

Your healthcare provider may conduct or recommend such tests as:

  •  A comprehensive eye exam
  •  Visual field testing
  •  MRI of the brain to check for optic nerve inflammation and brain lesions
  •  Blood tests to rule out infections or autoimmune causes

Treatment and Outlook

Optic neuritis is typically treated with corticosteroids. Initially given as high dose intravenous (IV), these help reduce swelling in the optic nerve and speed up vision recovery. Most people notice improvement in their vision within a few weeks. In many cases, vision returns to near-normal levels, though some may continue to experience long-term issues like mild blurriness or reduced colour clarity.

If optic neuritis is linked to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or some other chronic disease, you should mentally prepare yourself for long-term treatment and monitoring. Try maintaining a positive attitude, and seek support from your family, friends, and your doctor.

Final Thoughts

Optic neuritis is a serious condition that you must not ignore. If you notice sudden vision problems, especially when accompanied by eye pain or changes in colour perception, do not delay or ignore. It’s time to approach a trusted ophthalmologist or neurologist for immediate medical evaluation. The good news is that with timely medical intervention, many people are able to recover their vision and also manage the underlying causes effectively.

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this blog, or have a history of autoimmune or neurological issues, we advise you to consult a reputed healthcare provider without delay. 

Early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference in preserving your sight and also addressing the root causes to maintain your overall health.

Reviewed by

Editorial Team - Sohana Eye Hospital

This article has been written and reviewed by the Editorial Team at Sohana Hospital - a dedicated group of healthcare professionals, eye doctors, and medical writers committed to bringing you accurate, reliable, and easy-to-understand health information. Guided by our mission to care, cure, and educate, we ensure every piece of content is backed by medical expertise so that you can make informed decisions about your health and well-being.

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neuro-ophthalmology

Reviewed by

Editorial Team - Sohana Eye Hospital

This article has been written and reviewed by the Editorial Team at Sohana Hospital - a dedicated group of healthcare professionals, eye doctors, and medical writers committed to bringing you accurate, reliable, and easy-to-understand health information. Guided by our mission to care, cure, and educate, we ensure every piece of content is backed by medical expertise so that you can make informed decisions about your health and well-being.