Optic Neuritis

• Optic neuritis refers to inflammation of the optic nerve.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the disease most often associated with optic neuritis.
• It is most common in women between the ages of 18 and 40.
• It is not uncommon to have an episode of optic neuritis prior to being diagnosed with MS. In fact, optic neuritis is often the initial sign of MS.
• Not all patients that develop optic neuritis will progress to MS.
• Most patients with optic neuritis experience a sudden onset of decreased vision together with pain on eye movements.
• Usually the vision recovers fully after about 2 months.
• Optic neuritis usually affects only one eye and may recur several times over the course of years.

Link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001750/