Definition: Optic neuritis is swelling or inflammation of the optic nerve that may cause a sudden loss of vision in the affected eye.
Symptoms of optic neuritis include sudden decreased vision and pain upon moving the eye. The condition typically affects only one eye, although both eyes may be affected at the same time. Vision loss may be partial or complete, typically reaching its maximum within a few days. Vision generally improving within 4 to 12 weeks.
Optic neuritis is sometimes the first symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS). About half of people with MS will have an episode of optic neuritis, but not everyone who has an episode will go on to develop the disease.
Also Known As: retrobulbar neuritis
