What is optic neuritis (ON)?
Optic neuritis (ON) usually involves decreased vision and eye pain that develops over a few days time. Vision usually returns (completely or partially) over a few weeks. The risk of developing MS after experiencing ON changes depending on if an MRI scan of the brain shows abnormalities. The doctor may therefore order a brain MRI scan to evaluate this risk of developing MS in a person who experiences ON. Optic Neuritis can also be seen in many other diseases such as lupus or sarcoidosis. ON is not contagious. In patients who are already diagnosed with MS, ON is a relatively common symptom.
