Acute loss of vision in one eye, which gets worse over hours or days. Pain when moving the eyes, difficulty seeing colors and sensation of flashing lights.
These are the classic symptoms of an episode of optic neuritis, an inflammation that damages the optic nerve, responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain. Optic neuritis may be the first symptom of multiple sclerosis in about 20% of patients.
Multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease that affects the Central Nervous System (CNS). In multiple sclerosis, the body’s own defense system attacks the myelin sheath, a substance that coats and protects nerve cells, allowing the exchange of messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Multiple sclerosis causes damage to the myelin sheath, which causes nerves to lose the ability to send and receive messages correctly.
Visual problems in multiple sclerosis
“This degenerative and progressive process in the myelin sheath leads to symptoms such as weakening of the muscles, loss of coordination, paralysis and problems that affect the optic nerve, such as optic neuritis. Visual problems affect 50 to 60% of patients. Optic neuritis can be the first symptom, as well as a later manifestation of the disease”, explains neuroophthalmologist Dr. Marcela Barreira, head of the Neuro-ophthalmology sector at Banco de Olhos de Sorocaba.
Dr. Marcela states that around 50% of people who have an isolated attack of optic neuritis will develop multiple sclerosis within 15 years. “Optic neuritis is the most common cause of acute visual loss in young adults, and women are more affected than men, just as MS also affects more females than males.” Optic neuritis is also linked to other autoimmune diseases, as it can also be idiopathic, that is, without a defined cause.
Diagnosis and treatment
The doctor responsible for making the diagnosis of optic neuritis is the neuroophthalmologist. “In addition to the clinical examination, the doctor will request a series of laboratory and imaging tests to confirm the suspicion. Treatment can vary from patient to patient, but in general it is done with medications that help control inflammation and pain,” explains Dr. Marcela. It is worth remembering that treatment for multiple sclerosis also helps to reduce the number and severity of optic neuritis crises.
Prognosis
Although most patients recover their vision after an episode of optic neuritis, some may experience decreased visual acuity, as well as difficulties seeing colors, brightness and sharpness.
“Another consequence of optic neuritis in some patients is the blurring of vision when there is an increase in body temperature, whether in a fever or in situations such as physical activity and hot places, for example. This is called Uhthoff’s sign,” explains Dr. Marcela. Finally, it is estimated that about 3 out of 10 patients who have already had an episode of optic neuritis may have another, in the same eye, throughout their lives.
Acute loss of vision in one eye, which gets worse over hours or days. Pain when moving the eyes, difficulty seeing colors and sensation of flashing lights.
These are the classic symptoms of an episode of optic neuritis, an inflammation that damages the optic nerve, responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain. Optic neuritis may be the first symptom of multiple sclerosis in about 20% of patients.
Multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease that affects the Central Nervous System (CNS). In multiple sclerosis, the body’s own defense system attacks the myelin sheath, a substance that coats and protects nerve cells, allowing the exchange of messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Multiple sclerosis causes damage to the myelin sheath, which causes nerves to lose the ability to send and receive messages correctly.
Visual problems in multiple sclerosis
“This degenerative and progressive process in the myelin sheath leads to symptoms such as weakening of the muscles, loss of coordination, paralysis and problems that affect the optic nerve, such as optic neuritis. Visual problems affect 50 to 60% of patients. Optic neuritis can be the first symptom, as well as a later manifestation of the disease”, explains neuroophthalmologist Dr. Marcela Barreira, head of the Neuro-ophthalmology sector at Banco de Olhos de Sorocaba.
Dr. Marcela states that around 50% of people who have an isolated attack of optic neuritis will develop multiple sclerosis within 15 years. “Optic neuritis is the most common cause of acute visual loss in young adults, and women are more affected than men, just as MS also affects more females than males.” Optic neuritis is also linked to other autoimmune diseases, as it can also be idiopathic, that is, without a defined cause.
Diagnosis and treatment
The doctor responsible for making the diagnosis of optic neuritis is the neuroophthalmologist. “In addition to the clinical examination, the doctor will request a series of laboratory and imaging tests to confirm the suspicion. Treatment can vary from patient to patient, but in general it is done with medications that help control inflammation and pain,” explains Dr. Marcela. It is worth remembering that treatment for multiple sclerosis also helps to reduce the number and severity of optic neuritis crises.
Prognosis
Although most patients recover their vision after an episode of optic neuritis, some may experience decreased visual acuity, as well as difficulties seeing colors, brightness and sharpness.
“Another consequence of optic neuritis in some patients is the blurring of vision when there is an increase in body temperature, whether in a fever or in situations such as physical activity and hot places, for example. This is called Uhthoff’s sign,” explains Dr. Marcela. Finally, it is estimated that about 3 out of 10 patients who have already had an episode of optic neuritis may have another, in the same eye, throughout their lives.
