Optic Neuritis Treatment Information
- By:Juliet Cohen
Optic neuritis also known retrobulbar neuritis. It is the inflammation of the optic nerve which can lead to total or partial loss of vision. Optic neuritis may be the first episode of a patient who will subsequently develop multiple sclerosis. Optic neuritis usually develops as a result of an auto-immune disorder which can be triggered by a viral infection. The patient may notice blurred or distorted vision, the reduction of colour vision, or a blind spot. The signs and symptoms of optic neuritis may be indications of an autoimmune disorder called multiple sclerosis. There is also often a story of pain with the movement of the eyes, which may precede visual loss.
In many cases, a single eye is affected, and patients may not be aware of the loss of colour vision until the doctor asked them to close or cover the eye healthy. The condition usually occurs in adults under 45. Womens are affected twice as often as men. Some gene mutations can increase your risk of developing optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis.Most people with optic neuritis recover spontaneously. Methylprednisolone intravenous therapy was shown to increase recovery rates visual. Cortico-steroids (prednisone oral and IV methylprednisolone) were submitted to significantly increase the recovery rate of optic neuritis.
The intravenous steroids are sometimes administered in an outpatient setting or at home. After an intravenous corticosteroids, you can take a oral steroid called prednisone for several weeks. Oral steroids usually follow a course of intravenous steroids, because using oral steroids to treat optic neuritis alone was associated with an increased risk of recurrence. COP-1 (Copaxone) and beta interferons have both been shown to reduce the likelihood and severity of recurrent optic neuritis in addition to other symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Immunomodulators can be seen in this condition.
Optic Neuritis Treatment and Prevention Tips
1. Oral steroid called prednisone is also recommeded.
2. Immunosuppressive therapy for MS is most often prescribed.
3. Intravenous steroid therapy may accelerate vision recovery.
4. COP-1 and beta interferons have both been shown to reduce the probability.
5. Cortico-Steroids have been shown to significantly increase the rate of the recovery from optic neuritis.About the author:
Juliet Cohen writes article for Home Remedies. She also writes articles for Makeup and Skin Care.