Optic Neuritis

Optic Neuritis

  • Overview
  • Appointments
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatments
  • Locations
  • Doctors

    • What is optic neuritis? 

    Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve, a bundle of nerve fibers that carry images from your retina to your brain.  Each fiber carries part of the visual information to the brain. In optic neuritis, some or all of the nerve fibers become inflamed and do not function properly, and vision becomes blurred. Vision can range from near normal to very poor depending on the number of inflamed nerve fibers. Optic neuritis is more common in women under 40 years old. However, other risk factors for optic neuritis depend on the underlying cause.

    What causes optic neuritis?

    Various diseases and conditions may cause optic neuritis, including autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, sarcoidosis, and vasculitis. Sometimes optic neuritis occurs in the setting of an infection. In many cases, however, the cause of optic neuritis is not known.  

    Appointment Information

    To schedule an appointment, please call 734-764-5106.

    What are the symptoms of optic neuritis?
    • Blurred vision in one or both eyes especially after exercising or taking a hot bath
    • Dim vision as if the lights were turned down
    • Abnormal color vision with colors appearing dull and faded
    • Pain behind the eye, particularly when moving the eyes

    The symptoms described above may not necessarily mean that you have optic neuritis. However, if you experience one or more of these symptoms, contact your ophthalmologist for a complete exam.

    How is optic neuritis diagnosed?

    A comprehensive eye exam is necessary to determine the cause of optic neuritis. This includes a complete medical history, assessment of visual acuity, color vision, side vision, and pupil reaction.  By looking in the back of your eye with an instrument called the ophthalmoscope, your ophthalmologist may determine that the optic nerve appears swollen. Additional testing such as MRI of the orbits and brain, visual brain wave recordings, and blood tests may be necessary.

    How is optic neuritis treated?

    Treatment is aimed at correcting the underlying cause. Corticosteroids are sometimes used to increase the rate of recovery, but in most cases corticosteroid treatment will not affect the amount of vision that will eventually return. Most patients return to near normal vision. 

    Locations
    • Neuro-Ophthalmology Clinic | Kellogg Eye Center 1000 Wall St
      Elevator B Floor 3
      Ann Arbor, MI 48105-1912       Get Directions

    Doctors

     Search for a U-M Health doctor     Wayne Todd Cornblath, MD

    Wayne Todd Cornblath, MD

    Clinical Professor

    Ophthalmology, Neurology

    Lindsey Blake Delott, MD

    Lindsey Blake Delott, MD

    Associate Professor

    Ophthalmology, Neurology

    Tatiana Deveney, MD

    Tatiana Deveney, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Sangeeta Khanna, MD

    Sangeeta Khanna, MD

    Clinical Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Letitia Pirau, MD

    Letitia Pirau, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Neuro-Ophthalmology, Neurology

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