Causes and risk factors
The main cause of optic neuritis is unknown. Infection, trauma, nutritional problems, diabetes, glaucoma, fungal infection, autoimmune diseases can be the predisposing factors of the disease. Diseases like multiple sclerosis, certain viral or bacterial infections, and some drugs are associated with this condition. Women are commonly affected than men. Genetic mutations can cause optic neuritis.
Clinical presentation
Patient presents with sudden loss of vision especially in one eye, pain while moving the eye, reduced vision of one or both the eyes, foggy vision, flashing lights in front of eyes and change in the way pupil react to light. Sometimes colour vision may be affected.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the ophthalmologist helps in diagnosis. A routine eye exam in essential initially. Ophthalmoscopy , papillary light reaction test may be done. Tests like visual evoked response, optical coherence tomography, CT scan, and blood test for presence of antibodies for specific infection may be done for further evaluation.
Treatment
In optic neuritis, vision often returns within 2 to 3 weeks with no treatment. Administration of corticosteroids can be helpful. Treating the underlying autoimmune disease will also help in managing optic neuritis.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating optic neuritis. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating optic neuritis.
