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Inflammation of the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. The result is loss of vision, which can be permanent.
The most common causes are vascular and autoimmune diseases, infections, multiple sclerosis or nerve compression (tumours, trauma).
It is characterised by a rapid loss of vision in one eye (which may be permanent) and a lack of colour vision. Red eyes and pain may also occur.
Diagnosis is based on clinical history and physical examination. Imaging tests (ultrasound, CT-scan) may be needed if certain causes, such as tumours or multiple sclerosis, are suspected.
Treatment is medical and/or surgical and varies depending on the cause.
- Benjamin Osborne. Optic neuropathies. UpToDate. Octubre 2016
- Benjamin Osborne. Optic neuritis: Pathophysiology, clinical features, and diagnosis. UpToDate. Mayo 2016
- Balcer LJ. Clinical practice. Optic neuritis. N Engl J Med 2006; 354:1273.
- Foroozan. Acute demyelinating optic neuritis. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2002; 13:375.
- Frohman EM. The neuro-ophthalmology of multiple sclerosis. Lancet Neurol 2005; 4:111.
- Jonathan C. Horton. Trastornos de los ojos. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna, 19e. Capítulo 39
Dr. Patricia Sánchez
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