What are the causes and symptoms of optic neuritis?
symptoms of optic neuritis include one or more of the following: • blurred or dimmed vision • blind spots, particularly with central vision • pain with eye movement • headache • sudden color blindness • impaired night vision • impaired contrast sensitivity Optic neuritis is most commonly associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Other causes include viral or fungal infections, encephalomyelitis, autoimmune diseases, or pressure on the nerve from tumors or vascular diseases (i.e., temporal arteritis). Some toxins, such as methanol and lead, can also damage the optic nerve, as can long-term abuse of alcohol and tobacco. Patients with non-MS related optic neuritis are usually immunocompromised in some way. Source: The Gale Group. Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, 3rd ed.
