Optic Neuritis (ON)
This is one of the more common symptoms of multiple sclerosis. It is brought about by inflammation of the Cranial Nerve II (Optic Nerve) or possibly the Cranial Nerve III (Oculomotor Nerve)
It is not peculiar to MS and may be brought on by such infections as: mumps, measles, syphilis, diabetes, or lupus. But MS is the most common etiology. There are other demyelinating disorders that have been associated with ON. These are: acute transverse myelitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, Devic’s neuromyelitis optica, Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome, multifocal demyelinating neuropathy, and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis.
Condition can be associated with Uhtoffs Sign where the effects worsen with increased temperatures and Romberg’s Sign where the patient falls when the eyes are closed.
Optic Neuritis can cause:
- Blurring of Vision (loss of visual acuity) Often reported in only one eye, although I experience it equally in both. My vision begins the day well and deteriorates as the day progresses. This could be linked with MS fatigue where the performance of the demyelinated nerve degrades with use.
- Eye Pain tenderness of the globe, or pain at the rear of the eyeball
- Reduced Colour Perception (dyschromatopsia) allegedly occurs in all cases of optic neuritis, although I am not aware of it. This produces a reduction in colour vividness, particularly reds.
- Movement and Sound Phosphenes flashing light sensations, often associated with sudden noise or lateral head movements. More apparent in low light levels. I experience this at night when I go to bed and also see ghostly lights around the room. Maybe, of course, my house is haunted!
Treatments
Copaxone and Beta Interferon have both been shown to reduce the probability and severity of reoccurrences.
The steroid prednisolone does, in my experience, accelerate recovery from a bad bout of ON.
References:
Multiple
Sclerosis Encyclopaedia
Handbook
of Ocular Disease Management
