Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Optic Nerve Inflammation?

T. Carrier
T. Carrier

Optic nerve inflammation — or optic neuritis — occurs when the eye’s optic nerve becomes irritated and enlarged. This condition often results in eye pain and possible vision loss. Underlying diseases like diabetes, immune disorders, and multiple sclerosis usually lead to the inflammation. Young adults, particularly women, appear most susceptible to the affliction.

Two primary eye-related symptoms accompany optic nerve inflammation: pain and the loss of sight. The eye-centered pain typically worsens with eye movement and begins before visual disturbances manifest. Once vision has been affected, however, this result becomes the chief indicator of dysfunction. A visual disturbance may be a slight fading of color or it may escalate to a partial or even complete loss of vision. In the less extreme case, certain types of color vision are more severely hindered, like the color red.

Diabetes may cause optic nerve inflammation.
Diabetes may cause optic nerve inflammation.

If vision is only slightly altered, detection of optic nerve inflammation may prove difficult. The condition can affect only one eye, so the healthy eye may mask visual distortion somewhat by compensating for the other eye's ailment. Since the optic nerve is internal and connects the brain to the eye, a visible change in appearance is not probable for the afflicted individual. Even in a medical setting, the only apparent manifestation of optic neuritis in many cases is a very slight swelling of the optic nerve.

Ocular neuritis can occur when the optic nerve, the nerve which transmits the signals of the eye to the brain, becomes inflamed.
Ocular neuritis can occur when the optic nerve, the nerve which transmits the signals of the eye to the brain, becomes inflamed.

Disorders that cause bodily inflammation can impact the optic nerve. One of the most prevalent roots of optic nerve inflammation is the disease multiple sclerosis. In this inflammatory disorder, areas in the brain and spinal cord called myelin sheaths become irritated and eventually degenerate. Due to its close proximity to these nervous system areas, the optic nerve may suffer the consequences of this effect. Other types of inflammatory conditions that can contribute to optic neuritis include diabetes-related eye cell inflammation, disorders that mutate inflammation processes by attacking the immune system, and various types of bacterial or viral infection.

Pain and loss of vision are two symptoms that usually occur in cases of optic nerve inflammation.
Pain and loss of vision are two symptoms that usually occur in cases of optic nerve inflammation.

Diagnosis and treatment of optic nerve inflammation is important so that permanent vision loss may be prevented. General physicians may recommend an eye specialist — or ophthalmologist — if an advanced problem is suspected. If the diagnosis is optic neuritis, the specialist may recommend a corticosteroid injection treatment to accelerate healing, or, in minor cases, he or she may simply let the condition resolve itself. Therapies to suppress the immune system and its inflammatory capacities may be necessary in advanced conditions. Treatment of any underlying ailment is perhaps the strongest defense against optic nerve inflammation and other undesirable side effects.

Discussion Comments

fify

There was an article in the paper about this today. Doctors are now able to use stem cells to treat optic nerve swelling. Apparently, they use stem cells to replace optic nerve cells that have been damaged to bring back eyesight. It's not a perfect treatment and might not work for everyone, but I'm sure that it's worth a try.

ZipLine

@donasmrs-- I actually have no idea. I have not heard about this either. I have optic nerve inflammation as well, but mine is due to injury.

Perhaps, the doctors meant that the inflammation is due to an immune response rather than due to a viral infection. I've read that some immune responses are triggered by viral remnants in the body from previous infections. Apparently, these harmless bits of viruses that have long been treated can remain in the body and attach to issues causing an immune system response later on.

I think optic nerve inflammation is possible if someone has had an infection that has affected the brain. But I'm not a doctor, this is just my opinion.

donasmrs
Can viruses cause optic nerve inflammation?

I have a relative who has been diagnosed with optic nerve damage due to inflammation. He has partial loss of eyesight. Apparently, the cause of the inflammation has been identified as an infection. They found viral antibodies in his blood and think that the virus is the culprit.

I've been trying to find out more about this condition, but I haven't come across information about viruses being a possible cause. Does anyone here know about this?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Diabetes may cause optic nerve inflammation.
      By: JPC-PROD
      Diabetes may cause optic nerve inflammation.
    • Ocular neuritis can occur when the optic nerve, the nerve which transmits the signals of the eye to the brain, becomes inflamed.
      By: kocakayaali
      Ocular neuritis can occur when the optic nerve, the nerve which transmits the signals of the eye to the brain, becomes inflamed.
    • Pain and loss of vision are two symptoms that usually occur in cases of optic nerve inflammation.
      By: JPC-PROD
      Pain and loss of vision are two symptoms that usually occur in cases of optic nerve inflammation.
    • Multiple sclerosis may cause inflammation of the optic nerve.
      By: designua
      Multiple sclerosis may cause inflammation of the optic nerve.
    • General physicians may recommend referral to an eye specialist if optic nerve inflammation is serious.
      By: Peter Orsaeo Sr
      General physicians may recommend referral to an eye specialist if optic nerve inflammation is serious.